A PRIVATE security firm is to help run Lancashire Police's custody suites in a bid to free up officer time.

The move is part of a national drive launched following the recommendations in a Government report on reducing police bureaucracy.

Global Solutions has won the £2million-a-year contract to provide more than 90 custody detention officers (CDOs) to Lancashire Police. It is the largest contract of its size in the country so far.

Bosses from the force believe the move will free up 54 full-time officers into frontline duties.

Employing the CDOs is seen as cost effective as it is cheaper than employing extra full-time police officers.

The scheme has been piloted at Blackpool for two years.

Ian Butterworth, the force's administration manager, said: "Duties the CDOs have undertaken include fingerprinting, taking samples for drugs and alcohol test, searching on arrival and the completion custody records.

"We are hoping they can reduce the administration burden on police officers."