Jamaican Independence Day - Section 35 Dispersal Patrols

Telegraph Hill Ward officers were on patrol during the Jamaican Independence Day celebrations, working alongside colleagues to provide a visible policing presence and reassurance to the local community. As part of of the policing operation, officers were using Section 35 dispersal powers where appropriate. A section 35 dispersal notice gives police the power to direct a person to leave a specified area for a period of time where an officer reasonably believes their presence or behavior may contribute to crime, disorder, harassment, alarm or distress.

The power is used to help prevent situations from escalating and to protect the wider community. It is not about preventing people from enjoying celebrations; it is about ensuring that everyone can do so safely and that incidents of disorder or Anti-Social Behaviour are dealt with promptly. Officers engaged positively with members of the public throught the celebration and worked to maintain a safe and welcoming enviornment for residents and visitors.

We would like to thank the community for their cooperation and wish everyone a Happy Jamaican Independence Day!