Protocol for Dealing with Unauthorised Encampments - London ...

London Borough of Hillingdon
and the
Metropolitan Police (Hillingdon Division)
Protocol
for Dealing with Unauthorised Encampments
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
January 2002
(PTC)

Date:…………………………

APPENDIX A
INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED
The following information will be provided to minimise the impact on communities
a) Rubbish must not be tipped – ask the local authority for refuse bags and use them.
b) Small groups are more likely to be tolerated than large groups.
c) Trespassers should not behave in a manner likely to cause members of the public to
feel threatened or to disrupt the community – any complaints from the public will be
taken into account in deciding what action to take.
d) No damage must be caused to the site including the land.
e) Vehicles should not be driven unnecessarily around the site.
f) No noise nuisance should be caused.
g) Only park on land not needed for another purpose.
Police and the Local Authority have a statutory duty to reduce crime and disorder.
This is relevant and for the benefit of all communities, settled or otherwise. To that end
Trespassers must also be informed that if they do not leave within a reasonable time or
their behaviour causes disruption to the settled community, there are a number of options
available which are:-
a) The Police or local authority powers to evict trespassers under the provisions of
Sections 61 and 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 may be
invoked.
b) There may be a Police presence near the site in order to respond to any public
concerns regarding anti - social or unlawful activities.
c) Police have the powers to stop all vehicles on a public road and request the
necessary documentation and assess the condition of vehicles.
d) Any motorist unable to produce their documents will be reported at the time for the
relevant offences and appropriate forms will be issued to allow the opportunity for
documents to be produced. Photographs can be taken, with the consent of the
driver, in order to preserve evidence of the identity of the alleged offenders.
Identification of offenders can be difficult to prove in such circumstances.
e) Photographs of the site may be taken upon arrival and throughout the period of the
encampment. This is in order to establish if offences are being committed and
conversely to protect Trespassers against unfounded allegations.
f) If offences, e.g., criminal damage, are committed any suspects identified may be
arrested.
g) Police will liaise with other enforcement agencies as appropriate.

DECISION MAKING AFTER A TRESPASS – GRAVITY FACTORS
APPENDIX B
The first supervisor on scene, whether from the Police or the Council, must complete this
form to assist in the decision making progress. Only a Police Inspector or above may
authorise eviction using Section 61 CJPO Act, 1994. The Senior Parks Patroller is
authorised on behalf of the Council to evict Trespassers using Section 77 CJPO Act,
1994.
Instructions for supervisors
‣ Complete the form below with information about the trespass.
‣ Review the statement of intent
‣ Review the information about the trespass and decide if eviction of the trespassers
using police or other powers is appropriate
‣ Complete a risk assessment if immediate eviction is appropriate.
Gravity factors
Address of land
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Type and Condition of land (council/private/business/residential/public amenity)
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Use of land (for example, school or car park/damage caused/suitability for residence, loss
of public amenity)
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Vehicles (number and type of vehicles, total including caravans, traffic implications)
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Trespassers (number, behaviour, length of time resident)
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Landowner/occupier (in attendance/views/requests)
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Local authority (name of lead at LA present/views)
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Individual Welfare issues (elderly/sickness/pregnancy/time of day)

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Environmental Health issues (rubbish/health hazards/presence of animals)
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Other factors (policing problems/criminal intelligence/implications of an
eviction/contingencies for serious disorder/residents’ views/available resources)
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Other Factors for the Council to consider (education needs/social service
needs/housing needs)
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Record decision in book 198
Signed ……………………………………
Date:…………………………

RECORD OF SUBSEQUENT COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC
APPENDIX C
Details of Complaint
Date Received
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