What is a Dispersal Order (sometimes called a ‘Section 30 Order’)?
A. Dispersal Orders are another way that antisocial behaviour is being tackled in some places. A chief police officer can put restrictions on certain areas that have been identified as areas where antisocial behaviour is particularly high. These dispersal areas can include your local park or playing field. Once an area becomes a dispersal zone, the police (and police community support officers) have the power to order groups of people to leave an area after a certain time, if they suspect that antisocial behaviour has or may happen. They can also exclude people from the area for up to 24 hours. An officer can also ask anyone under 16 to go home after 9pm but can not force them to do so, but a refusal is an offence. However, it’s unlikely you’ll be affected if you’re just passing through a dispersal area on your way home or if the police feel you’re unlikely to cause trouble. If you are concerned about anti-social behaviour in your area generally, or if you’ve got a specific problem, yo
