Simon Hughes

The police have lost public confidence, the Liberal Democrats have claimed.

The party's home affairs spokesman Simon Hughes called for a new contract between constabularies and the public.

Speaking at the party's Brighton conference on Monday, he outlined plans to campaign for a "Minimum Policing Guarantee" that each area would have a minimum of eight officers in every community.

"Every day I hear people complain that they never see a police officer out on patrol," he said.

Hughes claimed that the government had failed in its pledge to be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime.

"Instead of addressing this legitimate concern, Labour and the Conservatives continue to bicker about police numbers," said Hughes.

He called for police officers to be given four year contracts to establish strong links with the communities they work in.

In London Hughes, who is also the party's candidate for mayor, argued his plan would provide 5,192 officers dedicated to patrolling the streets.

"People do not want to hear unrealistic promises based on little evidence. They need clarity and certainty about street-level policing. Not only will locals see their local police, they will get to know them as people as well."