What provision gives police the power to impose conditions on public assemblies that may result in serious public disorder?

• A. S14 Public Order Act 1986
• B. S5 Public Order Act 1986
• C. Powers to disperse public assemblies
• D. Part 3 ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014

Answer: (C)

The power to impose conditions on a public assembly to prevent serious disorder comes from Section 13 of the Public Order Act 1986. This allows a police officer to place reasonable conditions on how a public assembly is conducted—things like where and when it can take place, the route it must follow, numbers allowed, and behaviours that must be avoided. The goal is to permit peaceful assembly while reducing the risk of breach of the peace or serious disorder. If those conditions aren’t complied with, officers can take further action, such as dispersing the assembly or arresting for breaches of the conditions. (Prohibiting an assembly in a public place is a separate power under Section 14, while the other options refer to different provisions or acts.)