You Are in a Dispersal Area

When I was in England in May, I stayed with friends near Ealing. On a stroll in the shopping area I noticed this sign in the window of a store (click on the image to the left to see a larger version). The text immediately above the map read as follows:

The local Police and the Local Authority have both agreed that there are grounds to believe that members of the public have been intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed as a result of the presence or behaviour of two or more persons and that anti-social behaviour is a significant and persistent problem in the below affected area…

I, Ian Jenkins Superindendent, Metropolitan Police with the consent of Ealing being the relevant Local Authority, hereby authorize uniformed Constables and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to disperse groups as defined under Part 4 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 from the above area during the relevant period detailed below…

During the times and dates specified above a Constable / PCSO may give one or more of the following directions:

Tell people in the group to disperse (either immediately or at a stated time and in a stated way).

Tell people who don’t live in the affected area to leave (either immediately or at a stated time and in a stated way).

Tell people who don’t live in the affected area not to return to the affected area or any part of it for such a period (not exceeding 24 hours) from when the direction was given, as he / she may specify.

If you are under 16 you may not be allowed to be here between the hours of 9pm and 6am unless you are under the effective control of a parent or responsible person over the age of 18.

You may be removed to your home of place of safety if more appropriate.

[click here to see an image of the notice]

During my stroll I was stopped by a pair of constables who wanted to know why I was taking pictures — of a church, as I recollect. When I explained I was a tourist and gave that slightly sheepish shrug that tourists give when confessing that sordid fact, all was smiles and jolly English bobby.

Part 4 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 gives authorities extensive powers (as do other parts of the legislation for other contexts). The power to interfere with assembly exists in such areas, where, for instance, the mere presence of one member of a couple is likely to cause “distress” to any member of the public. My guess is that this wouldn’t apply if I were to complain about a case of open and shameless morris dancing.