Really making a difference

Carlisle & Eden Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), with partners including Cumbria Constabulary and Carlisle City Council, introduced a dispersal order, which became legally enforceable from Friday 1 December 2007 for a period of six months until Saturday 31 May 2008.

So far, between 21 December 2007 and 5 January 2008, the new powers have been used a total of 54 times.

The area covered is within the boundaries of: Victoria Viaduct, English Street (excluding pedestrianised area), Devonshire Street to junction with Lowther Street, Lowther Street to junction with Warwick Road, Warwick Road to junction with Cecil Street, Cecil Street to junction with Tait Street, South Henry Street to junction with Botchergate, King Street to junction with Lancaster Street, Lancaster Street to Crown Street, Crown Street to Citadel Station, Citadel Station to Victoria Viaduct.

Once an order has been made, the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 Part 4 (Section 30) gives the police powers to disperse groups of two or more where their presence or behaviour has resulted, or is likely to result, in a member of the public being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed. Individuals who do not reside within the designated area can be directed to leave the locality and may be excluded for up to 24 hours. A person does not commit an offence because an officer has chosen to use the power to disperse, but failure to follow the officer’s directions is an offence.

The 2003 Act also creates a power to remove to their home any young person under 16 who is out on the streets in a dispersal zone between 9pm and 6am and not accompanied by an adult. Once an authorisation has been granted for a relevant locality, the Act permits a constable in uniform to give one or more of the following directions:

• Require the persons in the group to disperse either immediately or within a given time and in a manner specified by the officer giving the direction.
• Require those persons who do not live within the relevant locality to leave the relevant locality or any part of it either immediately or within a given time and manner specified by the officer giving the direction.
• Prohibit the return of those persons who do not live within the relevant locality from returning to that locality or any part of it for a period as stated in the direction, but in any case not exceeding 24 hours.

A direction may be given: orally; to any person individually or to two or more persons together, and may be withdrawn or varied by the person who gave it.

Quotes:

Mary Robinson Chair of Carlisle & Eden CDRP welcomed the initiative saying:

"Already the introduction of these new powers have begun to make a real difference by addressing the issues that matter to our communities. Public drunkenness can give rise to serious problems of disorderly conduct, nuisance, criminal damage and alcohol-related assaults, particularly in the proximity of licensed premises at closing time. In addition, it can increase fear of crime and so reduce the quality of life for many people. This is clearly unacceptable, dispersal orders are another tool for helping the police to reduce these types of problem and reassure the public.’’

Carlisle City Cllr Judy Prest portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing added:

‘’Dispersal orders are a useful tool in tackling issues affecting local communities. By working intensively in specified areas the partnership and police with local people are able to build community confidence and work towards reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in that area and thereby deal with potential anti-social behaviour effectively."

North Cumbria Police Chief Superintendent Andy Davidson said:

 ‘’The use of a Dispersal order demonstrates that we are committed to the introduction and use of all available measures to address local people’s concerns and reduce the fear of crime. This is another example of positive action taken with our partners to make the residents of Carlisle and Eden feel safe and secure. A further testament to the hard work and dedication of all of the partners involved in helping to make Carlisle and Eden among the safest places to live in the country.’’

Cllr Olwyn Luckley, speaking on behalf of all Castle City Councillors said:

"We welcome the introduction and proactive use of Dispersal Orders, they are clearly already helping to prevent the anti social or drunken behaviour of some. The continued use of these powers will greatly assist partners in helping to ensure those visiting the centre of the city are able to have a pleasurable and violence free experience.‘’

Cllr Lucy Patrick speaking on behalf of all St Aidans City Councillors said:

"We are delighted that the Police are proactively using these powers provided by the Government's Anti Social Behaviour Act. Local people have a right to feel safe in their homes and communities. These measures will help the Police to ensure that the residents of St Aidans Ward are protected from drink fuelled anti-social behaviour."