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GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING UNAUTHORISED CAMPING BY GYPSIES/TRAVELLERS

ANNEX C: ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF POLICE OFFICERS IN SCOTLAND (ACPOS)

Draft Operational Guidance for the Management of Unauthorised Encampments of the Gypsy/Traveller Community.

1.0 Introduction

1.1 In accordance with recommendations proposed by the Advisory Committee on Scotland’s Travelling People and the Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) is producing draft Operational Guidance for the Scottish Police Service on the Management of Unauthorised Encampments of the Gypsy/Traveller Community.

1.2 The guidance document is being produced in conjunction with Local Authorities across Scotland who have also been undergoing a process of reviewing arrangements for service provision and social inclusion in respect of the Gypsy/Traveller Community.

1.3 The guidance document is being produced by a Group of representatives from each of the Scottish Forces working under the auspices of the ACPOS Race and Community Relations Standing Committee.

1.4 The Guidance document is also being produced in consultation with Crown Office.

2.0 Summary

2.1 The ACPOS Guidance document is intended to provide guidance for police officers on the Police role in relation to unauthorised encampments including their role during civil eviction proceedings, internal monitoring processes and guidance on legislative issues.

2.2 There is a general presumption against prosecution in relation to unauthorised encampments of Gypsies/Travellers. However, there are circumstances where this may be overridden by public interest considerations dependent upon the prevailing circumstances.

2.3 The guidance document emphasises the lead role assumed by local authorities in managing the variety of issues around unauthorised encampments. Its focus is upon service provision and social inclusion and it also takes into account human rights considerations.

3.0 Conclusion

3.1 The ACPOS Guidance Document for the Scottish Police Service is intended to complement each Local Authority’s policy and strategy in relation to the Gypsy/Traveller Community. It is also produced in accordance with the guidance developed by the Scottish Executive.

3.2 It is recognised that the role of the Scottish Police Service will essentially be to act in partnership with local authorities in ensuring that the welfare and human rights of the Gypsy/Traveller Community are met and at the same time ensuring that public order and wider community safety issues are effectively addressed.

NB A full copy of the ACPOS Guidance Document will shortly be circulated by ACPOS to all interested parties as part of the ongoing consultation work.

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