Dispersal order to tackle anti-social behaviour

Date published: 08 February 2007

Police in Rochdale, together with the council’s Safer Communities Partnership, are to implement a Dispersal Order to help reduce anti-social behaviour and improve the quality of life for local people.  

This follows an increase in the number of reports of youth nuisance in Rochdale town centre.

The Dispersal Order, which forms part of the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003, will be in place in Rochdale town centre* from 17 February 2007 and will run for three months.

It provides police with the power to disperse groups of two or more people of any age who are hanging around on the streets, harassing and intimidating local residents.

After 9pm, officers are also authorised to escort home young people under 16 found to be taking part in anti-social behaviour, and who are not in the company of a responsible person over 18.

Inspector Stuart Hay, Neighbourhood Inspector for Rochdale North, said: "We hope this Dispersal Order will prove successful in reducing the number of anti-social behaviour incidents in Rochdale town centre.

"After many discussions with our partners and local residents, we have decided it is essential to implement this order as part of our positive and robust approach to tackling crime and disorder in the town.

"It will only be used against youths and groups of people who are involved in, or are likely to be involved in, anti-social behaviour, and is just one of a number of steps being taken to tackle this problem."

John Johnson, Safer Communities Manager for Rochdale, added: "I have studied the application for this order in detail, and have no hesitation in agreeing to its implementation.  I will be asking the youth service to consult with young people to direct them into positive activities, and appealing to schools, the town centre manager and Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) to help prevent further anti-social behaviour.

"I would also ask local parents to make sure they know, as far as possible, what their children are up to when they are out in the town centre, as we all need to work together to deal with this problem."

* Areas covered by the Dispersal Order include the Esplanade, South Parade, Smith Street, John Street and St Mary’s Gate.

The area covered by a Dispersal Order can be as small as a car park, or can extend to cover the entire local authority area, as long as there is evidence of persistent anti-social behaviour and groups causing a nuisance.

There are three conditions that need to be fulfilled before authorisation for a Dispersal Order can be given:

1. An area needs to be defined as one where anti-social behaviour is a significant and persistent problem AND as one where members of the public have been intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed by the presence or behaviour of groups of two or more persons. 
2. There must be consultation between the relevant local Superintendent (or officer of higher rank who is responsible for the area where the authorisation is being considered) and the Chief Executive or delegated senior officer within the local authority. The consultation must result in a signed written agreement specifying the defined area, the grounds on which the authorisation is given and the period for which the powers can be exercised. The agreement must be accompanied by a copy of the wider plan for tackling anti-social behaviour in the area, detailing how the Dispersal Order will support this work.
3. The agreement to designate an area in this way must be publicised in a local paper and / or on posters in the defined area.

An area cannot be designated for a period exceeding 6 months, but authorisation can be withdrawn sooner where it is deemed appropriate. This must only be done after consultation with the Local Authority, and can only be withdrawn by the issuing officer or another local Superintendent (or officer of higher rank).