FAQs: Public Spaces Protection Orders
What is a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)?
This is an area that can be designated by Dartford Borough Council where anti-social behaviour has been causing a nuisance or annoyance. In the designated area, Police, Police Community Support Officers and Council Officers have certain powers to help tackle the anti-social behaviour that is identified within the Order.
Will there be any extra policing to enforce PSPOs?
No. Kent Police will continue to patrol and respond to incidents as part of their community response. However the Council have recently delegated powers to the Accredited Civil Enforcement Officers that already work in the District which enables them to enforce the new PSPO.
What are the benefits of a PSPO?
The main benefits of a PSPO are to help tackle the anti-social behaviours that are highlighted in the Order. They are all aimed at making our Borough safer and a more pleasant place to be.
What is an 'authorised officer'?
An authorised person shall be a police constable, police community support officer or a designated Dartford Borough Council Officer who must be able to present their identity on request.
Will there be signs in Dartford Town alerting people to the new PSPO?
Yes. New signs will be located in designated areas to signify that there is a PSPO in operation.
What happens if a person cannot afford to pay the fine associated with the new PSPO?
It is helpful to understands that a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is not a fine. Only the Courts have powers to fine and issue sanctions following a conviction.
A FPN is a tool that can be used in certain circumstances where an individual accepts that they have ‘broken the law’ but does not wish to be summoned to court and would rather pay a sum of money to discharge their liability for conviction.
If an individual either has no money to pay or felt that they were innocent, then they could then appear in front of a Magistrate and plead their case.
If they were found guilty then it would be up to the Courts to impose a sanction, and they would take into account their ability to pay.
If they were vulnerable or in need of support, then Dartford Borough Council would suggest to the court that a positive sanction would be more appropriate, for example accepting help for an addiction or engaging with Council or a charitable support service.