Sussex Police has launched a major recruitment drive which will put scores more frontline officers on the street.

From today the force will accept applications for 60 new police community support officers (PCSOs).

Patrolling on foot or by bicycle, the PCSOs will deal with low-level nuisance and anti-social behaviour as well as forging links with the public and businesses.

They will have the authority to remove vehicles and issue fixed penalty tickets as well as other duties that do not require the powers of a police officer, such as directing traffic and guarding crime scenes.

Police bosses hope the new recruits will be in place in time for next sum- mer.

Competition for places is expected to be high after more than 650 people put themselves forward for just 30 PCSO jobs with Sussex Police earlier this year.

The new recruitment drive comes after Sussex Police announced in August it was looking for 120 new special constables before the end of next year.

Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I am very pleased to see recruitment open for 60 PCSOs, which will maintain the number of visible frontline officers in Sussex.

"PCSOs are the heart of neighbourhood policing teams and residents con- stantly tell me they value these officers in their communities.

"I hope this opportunity attracts applicants from a wide range of backgrounds who want to make a difference in the communities they serve.

“It is important that PCSOs reflect the diversity of our local communities so that Sussex Police can continue to improve its policing response."

Mark White, secretary of the Sussex Police Federation, said: “We have always welcomed the concept of PCSO's provided that they supported police officers and did not replace them.

“Our members believe that PSCOs do provide them with valuable support which allows frontline policing to remain resilient.

“It should also not be overlooked that last month we recruited 40 new police officers and will be recruiting another 80 next year.”

Visit www.sussex.police.uk for details of how to apply.