A Muslim teenager was referred to by many of the national newspapers as one of the 'babies on the beat' of Thames Valley Police. However, we commend the force for employing two schoolleavers as PCSOs, one of whom were Muslim Nadia Naeem, now 18, who wears the hijab is amongst several PCSO’s who have the power to detain and question suspects.

The Police Federation claims the teenagers who are not legally recognised as adults, will lack the maturity and life experience necessary to do a dangerous job. But Thames Valley police insist the teenagers have the necessary skills. A spokesman said that "if you are good enough, you are old enough". Miss Naeem, from Bicester, Oxfordshire, joined the force - which covers Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire - in February.