HOME Secretary David Blunkett will today announce plans to use policing on Merseyside as the blueprint for every force in Britain.

The Government wants chief constables across the country to introduce neighbourhood policing - a policy pioneered by the former head of Merseyside Police, Norman Bettison.

The Police Reform White Paper will propose that forces introduce a 10-point "customer crime charter" which will outline how officers are to listen to the concerns and complaints of the community in which they serve.

Last night, a Home Office spokesman said: "This will be about getting the police and the public to work together.

"Neighbourhood policing is happening already on Merseyside and the Police Reform White Paper is about ensuring it is the norm for people in this country."

Mr Bettison swept away the traditional police divisions and divided Merseyside into 49 neighbourhoods each covered by an inspector, three sergeants and 20-25 constables.

Each inspector is responsible for making contacts in the community and sorting out grassroots problems.

The idea was similar to the traditional beat bobby who interacted with the community and tried to prevent incidents rather than just "putting plasters on problems".

The number of community police officers has increased from 1,150 in the last year to 1,400, with current Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe vowing to continue the policies of his predecessor.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian McPherson said: "We are absolutely delighted at this White Paper.

"In the last three years we have seen massive decreases in crime as well as an increase in public confidence.

"The majority of people will not be a victim of crime but if you are scared of going out at night or fearful of the gang of youths standing on the corner, then there is a perception issue that needs to be addressed.

"It is that that community policing aims to tackle."

Senior Merseyside officers have said they believe neighbourhood policing needs another three years before the public stop feeling besieged by yobs.

ACC McPherson added: "The next stage is to become much more effective in how we communicate and respond to people."

Chairman of the Police Authority Cllr Bill Weightman said: "We are delighted with the success of neighbourhood policing in this area and are pleased that it has been recognised by the Home Secretary."

markhookham@dailypost.co.uk