What is a dispersal order and the good behaviour zone?
Part 4 (sections 30-36) of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 gives the police, working with local authorities, new powers to target action in problem areas to help communities remove intimidation and anti-social behaviour from their streets. These powers have been available since 20 January 2004. The powers enable a senior police officer to designate an area where there is persistent anti-social behaviour and a problem with groups causing intimidation. This area could be as small as a cash point or shopping arcade where groups often gather, or it could be as wide as a whole local authority area, as long as there is evidence of anti-social behaviour. The local authority must also agree to the designation, usually this decision will be made as part of the strategic work of a crime and disorder partnership. The decision to designate an area must be published in a local newspaper or by notices in the local area, the designation can then last for up to six months. The designated area must
