A police force defended itself after it emerged it spent more than £20,000 transporting people home from custody by taxi.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act revealed Sussex Police spent £21,617 to take suspects home after arrest in the 11 months up to February 28 this year.

The force said that it took its responsibilities in managing detainees seriously.

However, critics pointed out that many other forces insisted on suspects making their own way home.

James Frayne, campaign director of the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: "Tax bills for the average family are already too high so police forces should not be adding to their problems by spending in this way.

"They should do all they can to help detainees to get home, but under no circumstances should they be putting them in taxis and picking up the bill."

In a statement, Sussex Police said they do not use patrolling police officers to ferry people home, and that they are planning to trial the use of bus vouchers in some cases.

The statement said: "Sussex Police take the issue of managing detainees extremely seriously. Part of this is a duty of care extending to the circumstances of releasing people who have been in custody.

"For some years we have used public transport, including taxis, to ensure that the more vulnerable detainees are returned home or to a place where they where arrested.

"We do not use patrolling police officers for this taxiing task."

What an absolute disgrace and waste taxpayers money.

Why do they feel that after detaining them for a crime, putting them up for the night, supplying cups of tea and no doubt a meal they have to ensure they get home in the comfort and ease of a taxi??? Kick them out the front door is what they should be doing........NOT spending our hard earned cash on a TAXI!!!!

Rant over.........thank you