ANNEX B: Summary of Powers to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour to Be Replaced by the Provisions in Parts 1 to 4 of the Act The section 30 dispersal order
Established by sections 30 to 36 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, this gives the police, working with local authorities, powers to target action in problem areas to help communities remove intimidation and anti-social behaviour from their streets.
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.
The local authority must also agree 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.
Police officers and police community support officers can use this power.
A refusal to follow the officer’s directions to disperse is a summary offence. The penalty on conviction for this offence is a fine not exceeding £2,500 or a maximum of three months’ imprisonment (for adults).