Silent witnesses to serious crime will risk being jailed

Witnesses involved in serious crimes could be arrested and jailed for failing to give evidence at trials of top-tier criminals under new laws called for by chief constables.

The sweeping powers are part of a package of measures that include setting up an FBI-style national squad to deal with organised crime and a new police force to guard Britain's ports and airports, being proposed to the Home Office. David Blunkett, the Home Secretary, is consider- ing ways to improve the way Britain deals with serious and organised crime.

Chief constables yesterday outlined their blueprint for the future of British policing, which included proposals for tough powers to coerce unwilling witnesses, particularly "big players" such as accountants, bank managers and computer specialists, who aid criminals. Under the plans, witnesses could be offered immunity from prosecution for giving evidence but might face being sent to jail if they refuse. The scheme is similar to an American system in which the FBI can arrest "material witnesses" to a crime.

Police chiefs admit the powers are likely to be criticised by civil rights lawyers. Chris Fox, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: "We're talking about big players. We're not talking about ordinary, normal people but people who have been strongly involved in serious crime."