PCSOs Aarron Newell and Abi Ellis on patrol in Whitstable

Kent's army of civilian police are set to get their powers to tackle violent thugs beefed up in a move that's angered frontline officers.

The shake-up was revealed just a month after Kent Police confirmed 1,500 staff - including 500 officers - face the axe.

The force will now grant 13 new powers to nearly 400 police community support officers as it battles to fill a £53million black hole in its budget.

The new powers will give PCSOs much greater clout when it comes to issuing on-the-spot fines and dealing with low-level offences.

But the union representing rank-and-file officers have hit out at the plan saying it's a waste of money and could put PCSOs at risk.

Ian Pointon, chairman of Kent Police Federation, said: "The whole concept was PCSOs wouldn't get involved in confrontation.

"If they came across confrontation, they were supposed to step back and call other people in.

Click here to read our political editor Paul's blog

"I think that as the people they rely on to call upon shrink in number, that becomes increasingly difficult and I think PCSOs are going to find themselves in more confrontational roles.

"The reality is that they don't have the equipment police officers have because they're not police officers.

"They haven't got pepper spray, a baton or handcuffs, so they aren't able to defend themselves in the same way as their colleagues can.

"I think we'll end up with abound 350 PCSOs in Kent and for that money we probably could have between 200 and 220 police officers who would be properly trained and equipped and could do 100 per cent of the job.

"I think police officers are far better value for money."

The new powers include being able to issue fines for school truancy, as well as fines for throwing fireworks and drinking in public.

PCSOs will also be able to fine those caught spraying grafitti and fly-posting and will be able to break up groups of youngsters and take those under 16 back to their homes.

They will also be able to search youngsters for alcohol and tobacco.

The decision follows a review examining how best to beef up the their powers.

There has in the past been criticism of PCSOs, who are sometimes referred to as 'plastic policeman’ because they have no powers of arrest.

Ann Barnes, chairman of Kent Police Authority, said: "We have nearly 400 police community support officers here in Kent.

"The police authority is delighted with their work so far to provide a visible presence on our streets.

"Their role isn’t to be a police officer but to work closely with police officers, and partner agencies, to act as the eyes and ears of the community.

"If the chief constable grants these powers then their role can only be further enhanced.

"They will still be out on our streets, and able to do more, offering a value for money service to police council taxpayers."

Deputy chief constable, Alan Pughsley said: "Kent Police is constantly looking at new ways of working and we believe the additional powers will enable police community support officers to have an even stronger uniformed presence on our streets."