PRISONERS of Hereford Police are part of a pioneering project to keep Bobbies on the beat.

A report reveals local PCs as 'frequently' being taken off patrol duties to guard the criminals they catch.

Now service at the county custody unit has gone private, but that's cold comfort for 'guests'.

Round the clock cellblock assistance is contracted out, a move thought to be a national first.

Reliance Custodial Services Ltd provide personnel, the company that also transfers prisoners from the unit to court.

West Mercia Police Authority has been told that the initiative got underway earlier this month.

A report for members said Hereford officers were frequently being diverted from patrol to carry out custody duties.

To keep the PCs free, a 12-month pilot project had been launched providing private sector support in the station's cells over 24 hours.

Assistants are qualified in Home Office prison work and will be trained in police-related procedures before taking up their tasks.

The contract is believed to be the first of its kind in the country. Already other areas are said to be watching closely.

Control of the unit remains with a designated police custody officer, usually a sergeant.