A part-time police force could be set up in Sussex to fight crime in rural areas.

Ministers are considering using retired police officers and trained volunteers on a retained basis, similar to some firefighters.

They would work a particular beat like the traditional village bobby, although the Home Office stressed the officers would not become a substitute for the main police force.

The idea of retained officers was floated by Home Office minister Charles Clarke.

Ministers are also considering payment for special constables to boost their numbers and more closed circuit TV in rural areas.

They want police to hold surgeries in village halls, post offices, and doctors' clinics.

Mr Clarke suggested the 999 system could be changed to include a non-emergency number, 333 for example. Sussex Police introduced a similar non-emergency number, 0845 60 70 999, last year.

A Sussex force spokesman said: "We welcome volunteers from the community working alongside us, but they need to be properly trained and equipped and that does require quite a commitment, both from Sussex Police and the volunteers."

Norman Baker, MP for Lewes, said: "It seems a bit of a Dad's Army. Clearly it would be wrong to lose people who have got expertise.

"But it is no substitute for a properly-funded, fully professional, up-to-date police force."

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