Public Order Flashcards
Police Reform Act 2002:
Seizure of vehicles
If a PC in uniform has reasonable grounds for believing that a motor is being used in any manner which
- contravenes section 3 and 34 of the Road Traffic Act and
- is causing harm, or likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public
A PC in uniform can
- stop the vehicle
- seize/remove the vehicle
- enter any premises which they have reasonable grounds for believing the vehicle to be used to carry out any of the above
- use reasonable force
Breach of the Peace
This is when
- harm is done or is likely to be done
- to a person or in their presence to their property or
- a person is in fear of being harmed through
- assault, affray, riot or other disturbances
Can occur in private or public
Public Order Act 1986: Section 1
Riot
- 12 or more persons
- present together
- use of threatened unlawful violence for a common purpose
- the conduct was such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear their personal safety
- each defendant used unlawful violence and intended to use the violence for a common purpose or
- was aware that their conduct may be violent
Public Order Act 1986: Section 2
Violent Disorder
- three or more people present together
- using or threatening unlawful violence
- the conduct of them would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear their personal safety
- no person of reasonable firmness needs to actually be present
Public Order Act 1986: Section 3
Affray
A person is guilty of affray if
- they use of threaten unlawful violence towards another
- this conduct causes a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear their personal safety
- a person of reasonable firmness does not need to be present
Public Order Act 1986: Section 4
Threatening Behaviour
A person is guilty of this offence if
- they use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards another
- or displays any writing, sign or other visual representations which are threatening, abusive or insulting
- with the intent to cause that person to believe that unlawful violence will be used against them or another
- or to provoke the immediate use of unlawful violence
- or whereby that person is likely to believe that such violence will be used
Public Order Act 1986: Section 4a
Harassment, alarm or distress
A person is guilty of this offence if
- with the intent to cause a person harassment, alarm or distress
- they use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour
- or displays to another any writing, sign or other visual representation
- which is threatening, abusive or insulting
- thereby causing a person harassment, alarm or distress
Public Order Act 1986: Section 5
Disorderly conduct
A person is guilty of this offence if
- they use threatening or abusive words or behaviour, disorderly behaviour
- or displays any writing, sign or other visual representation which is threatening or abusive
- within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress
Sporting Events Act 1995 crimes
Section 1 - Possess alcohol on certain forms of public transport or be drunk on such vehicles when travelling to or from a football match
Section 2(1) - Possess alcohol during a football match when the pitch is in direct view or when entering or trying to enter the ground
Section 2(2) - Being drunk in a football ground during the match or trying to enter the ground
Section 2a - Possess fireworks or flares during a football match when the pitch is in direct view or when entering or trying to enter the grounds
Football Offences Act 1991: Section 2
Throwing missiles
It is a crime to throw anything towards the playing area or area in which spectators or other persons may be present, without lawful authority excuse.
Football Offences Act 1991: Section 3
Chanting
It is an offence to engage or take part in chanting of an incident or racialist nature at a designated football match.
Football Offences Act 1991: Section 4
Encroaching onto the pitch
It is a crime to go onto the playing area at a designated football match, or any area adjacent to the playing area, to which spectators are not generally admitted, without lawful authority or lawful excuse.
Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994: Section 166
Sale of tickets by unauthorised persons
It is an offence for an unauthorised person to sell a ticket for a designated football match or otherwise dispose of such a ticket to another person
Firearms Act 1968: Section 48
Police powers
A Constable may demand
- for a person who they believe
- to be in possession of a section 1 firearm
- the production of their firearms certificate
Where a person fails to produce a firearm or shotgun certificate
- the Constable may seize the firearm, ammunition or shotgun
- and require the person to declare immediately their name and address
Firearms Act 1968: Section 16
Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger
A person commits this offence to
- they have in their possession
- any firearm or ammunition
- with intent to endanger life or enable another to do so
- whether injury has been cause or not
