Which section provides dispersal powers 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)

Dispersal powers in public order enforcement are about removing people from a place to prevent disorder. The provision that lets police order individuals to leave a public area for up to 48 hours is Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986. It authorizes a police officer of inspector rank or higher to issue a dispersal order when there are reasonable grounds to believe that a person’s presence or conduct in a public place would lead to violence, disorder, or a public nuisance. The order specifies who must leave, the area affected, and the duration (up to 48 hours). If someone complies, the area can return to normal use; if they don’t, they can be arrested for breaching the order or for related offences. This power is specifically aimed at quickly reducing risk by dispersing people from a defined area.