Police community support officers pounding the streets of Bradford will now have to be 18.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today defended Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and their role in neighbourhood policing teams but raised the age limit of the bobbies.

PCSOs are able to detain suspects until a police officer arrives on scheme, can issue penalty notices and can deal with minor offences and keep watch at a crime scene.

Furthermore, they can direct traffic, remove vehicles and confiscate alcohol being drunk in a public place.

The Government introduced community support officers five years ago to tackle low-level crime and anti-social behaviour.

West Yorkshire Police came under fire in the summer from Shipley Conservative MP Philip Davies after it was revealed they had employed a 17-year-old PCSO.

Yesterday Miss Smith announced anyone wanting to be a PCSO will have to be 18 - bringing it in line with the age of the police force. Previously there was no minimum age requirement.

Tom McGhie, chairman of West Yorkshire Police Federation, said: "This is sensible because police officers have to be 18 and this just makes sense. It is a good move and I welcome the announcement."

All PCSOs across the country will also have the same 20 powers, including searching those suspected of carrying dangerous items.

Miss Smith said: "I am pleased that the Association of Chief Police Officers share my view that PCSOs should be at least 18 years old. Standardisation of powers, uniforms and equipment across all forces will ensure that the public know exactly who their PCSOs are and what to expect from them."