THREE security guards at Lister Hospital in Stevenage have been given police powers to increase safety. Under the national Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, Ludek Fierlinger, Keith Froy and Joseph Codjoe now have the authority to request the name and

THREE security guards at Lister Hospital in Stevenage have been given police powers to increase safety.

Under the national Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, Ludek Fierlinger, Keith Froy and Joseph Codjoe now have the authority to request the name and address of anyone they suspect of causing anti-social behaviour, and can request PNC (Police National Computer) checks as part of their role to improve community safety and security at the hospital.

Chief Inspector Dave Newsome said: "Although assaults are rare, we hope that by giving these officers police powers the number of incidents will be further reduced.

"I hope it offers a sense of community reassurance, which will make hospital staff and members of the public feel - and be - even safer in our town's hospital."

Herts Police's community safety accreditation and police service volunteers project officer, Ian Colpitts, added: "These powers are a natural step forward in helping to protect hospital staff and members of the public.

"With their accredited status, the security officers can deal more effectively with anyone causing anti-social behaviour and exclude them from the hospital.

"There will be other partnership work they can be involved with in the future, such as keeping an eye out for vulnerable missing persons."

Before being awarded their new powers the security employees were vetted and will soon receive further training.

They will wear the nationally recognised Community Safety Accreditation Scheme badge and carry identity cards.

The scheme was launched in 2004 in a bid to improve community safety and promote closer partnership working between police and security companies.