Dispersal powers in place for Taunton protest

The policing plan for any demonstration in Taunton today, Saturday 17 August, includes authorisation of additional powers for officers.

Officers are aware of at least two proposed protests, one including a march, and have been in touch with the organisers.

A Section 34 dispersal order is in place under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act. This applies to the area outlined in the above map and gives officers powers to move on anyone whose behaviour is causing or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Police also have a power to require people to remove face-coverings which are being used to conceal their identity, under Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

Both run from 10am until 11.59pm on Saturday. In each case anyone who fails to comply could be liable to arrest.

Officers have also put conditions on the proposed march under Section 12 of the Public Order Act, and police liaison officers will be on the ground to pass these details on.

No one affiliated with this march, either formally or informally, will be permitted to enter a designated area around the Taunton Central Mosque and Islamic Centre in Tower Lane between 10am and 6pm on today.

Somerset Commander Superintendent Lisa Simpson said: “You’ll see local officers in the town, alongside our police horses and dogs and supported by colleagues from neighbouring police forces.

“Our aim is always to facilitate lawful protest, but we’re prepared to deal with any disorder robustly.”

Neighbourhood officers are in touch with partner agencies, community and faith leaders and local businesses. We’re asking them to tell us about anything which makes them feel less safe, and keeping them informed with what we know.

Supt Simpson added: “I hope that the sentences handed down for violent disorder following the unrest across the country earlier this month will reassure our communities. Our message is clear: we won’t tolerate hate, violence or criminality.”