Additional powers given to police ahead of Bournemouth protests

Dorset Police will enact the temporary powers to stop and search and disperse people in the town in response to an anti-immigration protest and counter anti-racism protest. 

Hundreds could be outside the town hall in Bourne Avenue this Sunday, August 18. 

Officers can use powers under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act to stop and search people for weapons without needing an explanation.  

Section 60AA of the same act allows officers to ask people to remove face coverings. 

ACC Mark Callaghan (Image: Dorset Police)

A section 35 dispersal zone has also been authorised for the same area and will give officers powers to move on groups or individuals causing – or who are likely to cause – harassment, alarm or distress to others. 

Failure to comply with this can lead to arrest. All these powers  will be in place between 8am and 11pm on Sunday, August 18. 

Assistant chief constable Mark Callaghan, gold commander, said the intelligence gathered so far indicates the protests will be peaceful, but stressed violence or disorder “will not be tolerated”. 

He said: “The threshold to implement a Section 60 power is very high and we have taken the decision to use it on Sunday as a tactic to keep communities safe and do all we can to prevent serious violence.  

“We will keep this power under continuous review on the day, with the aim to remove it as the earliest opportunity.  

“We are continuing to engage with the organisers ahead of the event, as well as local community groups and the business community.  

“I hope details of these additional powers will further reassure our communities that we are doing all we can to ensure the protests on Sunday are both peaceful and lawful.” 

A “significant” boost in officers will be in Bournemouth this weekend with officers from across the south west joining Dorset officers working overtime or who have had annual leave cancelled. 

BCP Council’s leader Millie Earl added the safety of residents, businesses and visitors is a “priority” for the authority. 

Additional security measures including new CCTV cameras in “key areas” and extra CSAS officer patrols will be in the town as “precautionary action to make sure any building sites in the area are safe”. 

Cllr Earl added: "You will see an increase in police resources in the town centre on Sunday. Please do not let this alarm you. This is to make sure there is enough resource to police the two planned protests that are due to take place that day at Bournemouth civic centre.” 

She added: "With the warm weather set to continue, we are gearing up for a busy weekend in Bournemouth and, just like any other weekend, people can expect to come to our beaches, gardens and town centre and enjoy themselves.  

"As we have seen nationally across social media, not all information is accurate. The police receive information regularly and are working with partners, including BCP Council, to assess and act on that information in a considered and appropriate way once facts are confirmed."