Police community support officers could be given beefed-up powers to tackle low-level crime.

The civilian officers, who cannot make arrests, could be allowed to keep people with them until regular officers arrive under proposals from Sussex Police.

But senior officers say they are not trying to do “policing on the cheap” by allowing PCSOs to perform the roles of constables.

A report to be considered by Sussex Police Authority tomorrow recommends PCSOs be given the power to detain people for 30 minutes until an officer arrives.

The power can be given at the chief constable's discretion under the Police Reform Act 2002.

The force is also recommending the authority - a panel of councillors and independent people from around Sussex - approves powers to allow PCSOs to give on-the-spot fines for dog-fouling and public disorder, as well as searching and moving on groups of youths.

They will not be able to use force, but if suspects fail to provide their details or leave without permission they will be committing an offence.

There are about 350 full-time police community support officers in Sussex, working as part of neighbourhood policing teams.

Assistant Chief Constable Robin Merrett said: "Their role would be enhanced by an increase in their powers, for example further powers to issue fixed penalty tickets and to address disorder.

“These powers would only be introduced with appropriate training and consideration of risks.”

Councillor Ben Duncan, who represents Brighton and Hove City Council on the police authority, said he welcomed a commitment to keeping PCSOs and giving them the power to tackle dog-fouling.

He said: “Dog-fouling is a really big issue for many people. It is exactly the sort of work they should be doing.”

But he warned against expanding their powers to detain.

He said: “It runs the risk of side-tracking PCSOs into the work of warranted police officers.”

Detective Chief Inspector Laurence Taylor, who led the review of PCSO powers, said: “It is not about getting them to replace police officers.”

The authority's neighbourhood policing scrutiny committee is being asked to support the proposals at a public meeting at Sackville House, Brooks Close, Lewes, at 2.15pm tomorrow.