What are dispersal orders?

When the council or police receive complaints about anti-social behaviour in a specific area, they consider if a dispersal order is appropriate. Only the Chief Superintendent or his superiors can authorise a dispersal zone, providing they have the support of the council.

The council and police then publicise the dispersal order in the local press and also post notices around the zone.

How do dispersal orders work?

A police officer or community support officer may give one or more of the following directions:

Require the group to disperse, either immediately or by a specific time
Require those who do not live within the area to leave and not return for 24 hours
They can do this if they have reasonable grounds for believing that the presence or behaviour of the group of two or more persons has resulted, or is likely to result in any members of the public being:

It is an offence to fail to follow a direction and can result in:

The dispersal order can last for up to six months and can then be renewed.

Current dispersal orders

Halesowen Town Centre
The places and streets included are: Queensway (including the public footway adjacent to the river Stour, leading to Dog Kennel Lane) Andrew Road, Bredon Road, Ankerdine Court, Wychbury Court (including the public footway between the Highfields Estate and Highfields Park and allotments) Church Croft, Hales Road, Stourbridge Road (from junction with Hales Road to Earlsway Island) High Street, St John The Babtists Church cemetery, Car park off the High Street, Church Lane, Hagley Street, Peckingham Street, Bull Ring, Little Cornbow, Great Cornbow, Pool Road, Pool Road multi-storey car park, Summer Hill (town centre side of Queensway) and any public area within the boundary as identified in the may, including all Local Authority controlled car parks, pedestrian subways, Halesowen Bus Station and Cornbow shopping malls during opening hours.


Reporting a breach of an order

West Midlands Police: 0845 113 5000 (ask for your local police station)

 

You do not have to give your name.

Contact us:

For further information please contact the Anti-social Behaviour Team by:

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Telephone: 01384 816916