Which section introduces dispersal powers allowing police to order individuals to leave an area for up to 48 hours?

• A. S1 Public Order Act 1986
• B. S2 Public Order Act 1986
• C. S3 Public Order Act 1986
• D. S14 Public Order Act 1986

Answer: (D)

The key idea here is the dispersal power granted to police under the Public Order Act 1986. Section 14 allows officers to issue a dispersal direction to people in a designated area when there is, or is likely to be, disorder or nuisance. Individuals told to disperse must leave the area and are not to return for up to 48 hours. This tool is designed to quickly reduce tensions by breaking up crowds and removing potential troublemakers from a scene, helping to prevent further disorder. The other sections in the Act cover crimes like riot, violent disorder, or affray themselves, rather than providing a mechanism to disperse people from an area. That is why this particular power is attributed to the dispersal provision in Section 14.