Additional search powers for Bournemouth police today
The temporary change comes ahead of a planned protest
Dorset Police has drafted in extra officers from neighbouring forces ahead of two planned protests in Bournemouth later (Sunday 18th August).
They say the move is to enable the events to be as peaceful as possible.
It follows a number of arrests at previous rallies in Bournemouth and Weymouth in the past 10 days.
They've also got additional search powers in place in Bournemouth town centre to ensure the public’s safety, along with a dispersal order.
Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act allows for officers to be able to stop and search people for weapons without needing an explanation - officers can also ask people to remove face coverings.
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.
These powers will be in place between 8.00am and 11.00pm today.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, Gold Commander, said:
“Our intelligence about these protests has not changed and we are anticipating to police two peaceful static protests. While we will be there to enable lawful protest, we will not tolerate any hate, violence or disorder in our communities. Offenders can expect to be arrested, charged and brought before the courts.
“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.
“We will be bringing in resources from across the region to support our policing operation on the day so our remaining officers and staff can continue to respond to answering calls from the public, attending incidents and investigating offences.”
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council said:
“The safety of our residents, businesses and visitors remains our priority. We have been working with Dorset Police and other partners to make sure we are ready and prepared for all eventualities ahead of planned protests on Sunday.
"We have put in place additional security measures which include installing CCTV cameras in key areas, providing additional Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) patrols and taking precautionary action to make sure any building sites in the area are safe.
"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.
“We are immensely proud of the diverse and vibrant communities that help make Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole such a special place and we are deeply committed to making sure that BCP remains a welcoming sanctuary for all those who call our three towns home.”