What is described as a key feature of dispersal powers?

• A. Provision
• B. Enforcement
• C. Authorization
• D. Authorisation

Answer: (D)

Dispersal powers rely on a formal authorisation to be used. This means a supervisor or responsible officer must approve a dispersal direction in a given area for a set period, ensuring the action is necessary, proportionate, and within the law. That authorised step provides the essential oversight that makes the power workable and legitimate, preventing abuse while allowing police to manage disorder or protect public safety.

British spelling of the term is authorisation, which is the correct form in this context. The other ideas don’t capture this safeguard: provision describes merely granting the power in statute, and enforcement is the act of applying the power rather than the required prior approval. Authorization (with the American spelling) refers to the same concept but is not the form used in this jurisdiction.