Police forces have been ordered to ask convicts to give them advice on fighting crime.
Criminals can join new groups which may be involved in the planning of major police investigations - including operations to tackle terrorism, people-smuggling and Class A drug dealing.
They will have their expenses paid if they join the Independent Advisory Groups which are being set up to address 'diversity issues'.
The idea is that the panels act as 'critical friends', offering guidance on how local police are seen by the people they serve.
It is also claimed that by consulting over future operations - such as raids - the groups can tackle the 'distrust of the police service endemic in certain minority communities'.
The Association of Chief Police Officers has told forces to advertise for volunteers - and added that criminals are welcome to apply.
The guidance states that there should be a 'presumption in favour of appointing the applicant'.
They can even continue as advisers if they are caught committing a crime while serving on one of the panels, the document adds.
Some members are allowed access to confidential police intelligence, and will have to sign the Official Secrets Act.
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