Officers deployed ahead of planned protest in Dudley

Officers deployed ahead of planned protest in Dudley

Dear resident, 

We are aware of a planned event taking place in Dudley town centre today. 

Officers will be deployed in the town centre and wider area throughout the day (26 Sept).

We are experienced at policing gatherings and have a policing plan in place to ensure everyone attending can lawfully express their views, while ensuring the safety of everyone involved. 

We recognise events of this nature can cause concern for the community and businesses and are working closely with Dudley Council and partner agencies to maintain public safety. 

A designated area under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 in relation to face covering will be in place. 

It will start at 11am and end at 6.30pm on Saturday 26 September. 

Within this area, it will be an offence under s157 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 for anyone to conceal their identity for the purposes of avoiding identification. 

Exemptions apply for religious, health and work-related face coverings.

Anyone who conceals their identity will commit an offence under section 157 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 and may be liable to arrest. 

We respect people's right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest. Those rights are fundamental in a democratic society. 

However, where restrictions have been lawfully put in place, officers will take action against people who deliberately refuse to comply with them.

These powers exist to help prevent crime and disorder, ensure communities feel safe and support the safe policing of protests. Where the legal threshold is met, we will use these powers fairly, proportionately and without favour. 

We will always seek to apply the law impartially while protecting both public safety and the rights of those attending protests.

We would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to our officers patrolling or call 101. 

In an emergency, always dial 999.