New policing powers to be enforced during Bristol protest
Dispersal zone and face covering rules activated
An extensive policing operation has been set up in Bristol city centre to manage a protest and counter-protest scheduled for tomorrow, 8th August.
Protesters will gather at Queen’s Square at 11am, while counter-protesters are expected to arrive earlier at 10am.
Officers aim to support the right to free speech while ensuring safety, prohibiting criminality and disorder.
A dispersal zone from the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 will be active from 8am to 8pm, allowing officers to move individuals causing distress.
For the first time, new face covering rules under the Crime and Policing Act 2026 will be enforced, giving officers powers to ask individuals to remove face coverings intended to conceal identity for committing offences.
Once requested, individuals cannot re-cover their face within the zone; breaches could lead to arrest under the dispersal order.
Additionally, Section 14 under the Public Order Act 1986 designates specific areas for protest groups to stand, reducing risks of conflict and allowing peaceful protests.
Silver Commander Supt Karen Corrigan outlined the collaborative efforts with multiple police forces to ensure safety and the use of drones to monitor the protest.
Officers will take appropriate action against identified offenses, either during the event or afterward.
While ensuring the right to protest, Essex Police emphasize that hateful speech and criminal actions will not be tolerated.