We had the pleasure of a Royal Visit on Monday 17th October 2011 by the Countess of Wessex






It was a wonderful opportunity for our young people to meet a member of the Royal family (they were very nervous and excited, but the Countess put everyone at their ease and she spoke to all the young people individually) and it has given us a lot of publicity.

Here are some of the comments:-

'She was so beautiful'

'She made me feel special'

'It was really easy to talk to her'

'I couldn't believe how down to earth she was'

Two older males said 'I can't wait for the picture to go in the paper so I can frame it and have it as pride of place at home'

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Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003

2003 Chapter 38

Part 4

DISPERSAL OF GROUPS ETC.

Section 30


Dispersal of groups of persons under 16 to their place of residence

An interpretation.

1, Where the police have correctly applied for a section 30 Dispersal Order they are given some extra powers when a uniformed officer believes;

A, that any members of the public have been intimidated, harassed,   alarmed or distressed by the presence or behaviour of two or more people in public places in the mapped area, and

B, that anti-social behaviour is a significant and persistent problem in the mapped area.

2, These extra powers given to uniformed police officers can last for a specified period and no longer than 6 months.

3, The powers in section (4) can be used if a uniformed officer believes that the presence of a group of two or more people in the mapped area has resulted, or is likely to result, in any members of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed.

4, The uniformed officer may give one or more of the following directions;

A, tell people in the group to leave the mapped area. This could be straight away or by a certain time, the officer can also say how the people should leave, this probably means by which route, on foot or by public transport.

B, tell people in the group who don’t live in the mapped area to leave the mapped area or any part of it either immediately, by a certain time and how they should leave, and

C, tell people in the group who don’t live in the mapped area not to return to the mapped area or any part of it for up to 24 hours.

5, Gives some exceptions to section (4) which only apply to Trade Union pickets and demonstrations or other public parades or processions, none of which are likely to apply if the police follow their rules.

6, If a uniformed officer finds a young person in any public place in the mapped area who is believed to;

A, be under the age of 16, and

B, is not under the effective control of a parent or responsible personInformatio aged 18 or over,

The officer can take the young person home unless he or she believes that this places the young person at risk of significant harm.

Section 30 Police Powers

Which start from the 22nd July 2011

In short;

If you are part of a group of two or more,

If you are under 16,

If you are in the red mapped area,

If you or the people you are with are involved in anti-social behaviour or if the police think you or your friends might do something anti-social,

You could be told to leave the area, how and by when you must leave, and then when you are allowed back.

If you are not with a parent or a responsible adult over 18 you could be taken home to your parents unless this will put you at risk of significant harm.

If you do not do what you are told, you can and probably will be arrested and charged with failing to comply with the Section 30 direction, or if you get stroppy, with an offence under the Public Order Act.

If you are arrested you will probably find yourself in the cells at Exeter’s Heavitree Road Police Station. One of the ‘rights’ that you have, which will be read to you is the right to speak to a solicitor, you should do this and it is free while you are at the police station.