A CONTROVERSIAL pilot scheme in which civilian security guards were used to protect major crime scenes in Devon and Cornwall could be extended, the Western Morning News has learned.

Traditionally, uniformed police officers are stationed at cordons around serious incidents to prevent the scene from being contaminated.

However, in a six-month trial involving Devon and Cornwall, and Avon and Somerset Police, "crime scene guards" from security firm Reliance were used instead.

They were first seen around the home of 59-year-old Mary Fox, who died in her blazing house after a firework was pushed through her letterbox on Bonfire Night last year.

The guards were also deployed during the investigation into the triple fatal fire at Trevarrian, near Newquay, in January and a double murder in Torquay last month.

Detective Superintendent John Clements said the guards had been used at five incidents and deployed for a combined 550 hours, saving the force some £5,000. He admitted there had been teething problems, and some initial opposition, but that senior investigating officers had been "really pleased" with the service offered.

He said he was currently preparing a report on the trial for senior officers, but added: "Our recommendation is for it to continue. There have been some real benefits to the force," Det Supt Clements said. "The force hasn't had to pull police officers or police community support officers (PCSOs) off the front line to stand as guards.

"It allows police officers to crack on and do what we want them to do. There are some financial benefits too – they are cheaper than paying a police officer to come in on a rest day."

The guards, who wear fluorescent jackets with "crime scene guard" in a panel on the back, and a Reliance cap, undergo specific training for the role.

Further guards were trained during the trial, which was reviewed after six months but is open-ended, allowing them to be used more effectively.

Serious concerns were raised by the Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, at the beginning of the trial.

It said that civilian guards lacked the necessary skills, including evidence handling and the power of arrest, to assist the investigation and prevent crime scenes being compromised. It also warned that they could jeopardise convictions in major cases.

Sergeant Nigel Rabbitts, acting chairman of the federation branch in Devon and Cornwall, said those concerns had not disappeared.

"We don't support the idea at all," he said. "It was always impressed on police officers that they were there to gather intelligence, not just standing there doing nothing.

"The force has decided, for the sake of money, to put a bouncer on the tape instead.

"At some stage, they will lose vital information for a major investigation."