City looking to review powers around inappropriate face coverings

Stoke-on-Trent is ready to act against people who use face coverings to intimidate and commit crime.

The city council is planning to review its joint working with police around ASB to ensure all relevant powers are being used effectively in all parts of the city. 

This includes the existing powers in place under Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) in Hanley and Longton which already prohibit conduct that ‘causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress’ – which can include the use of face coverings.

Now the council is considering extending those powers to require the removal of face coverings where they are being used to intimidate, conceal identity or commit a crime or ASB across all areas of the city.

The review follows similar action by other councils, which have included specific references to face coverings in their PSPOs.

The new powers are not a blanket ban on face coverings - only those linked to criminal and anti-social behaviour. Religious face coverings, coverings worn to protect against the cold, or helmets worn for safety are in no way affected.

Councillor Duncan Walker, Cabinet Member for Safe and Resilient Communities and Housing at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This review is part of coordinated efforts by the city council and Staffordshire Police to create a more welcoming, family-friendly city.

“It is not acceptable that anyone living in or visiting Stoke-on-Trent feels intimidated, frightened or unsafe. This is why we need to ensure that the appropriate powers are in place when it comes to dealing with anti-social behaviour and face coverings.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in our city and we are committed to working with trusted partners like the Police to make sure that is the case.”

The existing PSPOs are part of a range of measures which are currently used to ensure the city is safe and welcoming for everyone. 

These include Community Protection Warnings and Community Protection Notices, which can put specific requirements on an individual where conduct is having a negative effect on the quality of life in a community. 

Criminal Behaviour Orders, available following a criminal conviction, can also be used to place specific prohibitions on an individual.

Police Dispersal Powers allow the police to clear areas of individuals causing ASB for a 24-hour period, which can be extended for a further 24 hours. The police also have specific powers to create "mask-free zones" around protests.