Top British cop proposes 'superconstables'

LONDON, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The head of London's Metropolitan Police wants "superconstables" with the power to render summary justice by seizing cars or suspending drivers' licenses.

The proposal is part of a controversial package of reforms put forward by Sir Ian Blair, Britain's senior police officer, the Times of London reported. Others include using ex-soldiers with limited police powers to patrol some government buildings and other key facilities.

The "superconstables" would be aimed at "unsocial behavior" more than at serious crime or terrorism. Blair, who released his plan to the Police Superintendents' Association, suggested immediate consequences would be more of a deterrent.

"Instead of saying to a driver, 'We will report you for proceedings to be considered by a court' we say, 'Sorry, your driving license is now gone and in 14 days it will come up before the court,'" Blair said.

The plan met with immediate opposition from civil liberties groups, who compared the "superconstables" to Robocop and Judge Dredd, the Law Society and even some police officials.

"We police with consent and part of that is because the public see us as being approachable," said Rick Naylor, president of the superintendents' association.