Hampshire Police Provide Update on Policing Measures at Portswood Protest

Hampshire Police have issued an updated statement on their approach to policing recent protests in Southampton, outlining the use of dispersal powers and the presence of specialist teams during demonstrations.

The force confirmed that a Section 34 dispersal order was authorised by neighbourhood officers during a protest in Portswood on Sunday, 30 November. The order gave police the power to direct individuals to leave a designated area if their behaviour was considered likely to contribute to anti-social or criminal activity.

According to the update, the order was used twice during the gathering. A 17 year old boy and a 42 year old man, both from Southampton, were instructed to leave the area and not return for the duration of the order.

Officers noted that the use of dispersal powers can sometimes appear to onlookers as if an arrest is taking place. When enforcing a dispersal order, police request a person’s details; refusal may result in arrest, but if the individual then provides the required information, officers will continue with the dispersal process instead.

The force emphasised that its duty is to facilitate lawful protest while ensuring public safety, with officers from local neighbourhood teams, PCSOs and specialist Evidence Gathering officers present to monitor events and record any potential offences.

Police confirmed that no arrests were made during Sunday’s protest.