FAQs

What will Essex Police be doing during the enforcement action at Dale Farm?

Essex Police’s role during the enforcement action being carried out by contractors employed by Basildon Borough Council is to maintain the safety of all involved. The enforcement action is a civil matter arising from a breach of planning law. Officers will be there to enforce criminal law where appropriate.

Will officers from Essex Police be assisting the bailiffs in the clearance of the illegal site?

It is not the role of Essex Police to carry out enforcement action under planning law. We are only there to ensure there are no breaches of the peace, and everyone involved remains safe.

How much will the operation be costing Essex Police?

Essex Police are diverting existing resources into this operation which will be absorbed from existing force budgets. The £9.5m refers to additional policing costs over and above the "business as usual costs" and will be met as follows:

- The first £2.5m of additional policing costs to be met by Essex Police Authority (EPA)

- The next £2.4m of additional policing costs to be shared equally between the Home Office and Basildon Borough Council (£1.2m each)

- The next £2.3m of additional policing costs to be met by the Home Office alone

- The next £2.3m of additional policing costs to be shared equally between the Home Office and EPA

How many officers are involved?

Full details of the number of officers involved in the operation will be made available after its completion. However, Essex Police has a vast range of specially trained officers including those who are public order trained, and are therefore fully equipped to deal with situations of violence or disorder. We will ensure the correct officers are in the correct roles.

What forces have Essex Police called on for mutual aid?

There is a national system whereby forces request assistance from other forces across the country. We have had confirmed assistance from the Metropolitan Police, Kent Police, Bedfordshire Police and Avon and Somerset Police. Others TBC.

Will there be officers in riot gear attending?

We hope that travellers will leave the site in a peaceful and law abiding way. However, Essex Police does have officers fully trained to deal with all types of situation and will ensure that the most appropriately trained officers are deployed as necessary.

What is the threat level of violence?

We appreciate this is an emotive issue for many people. As such we are prepared for any event which may occur and will police proportionately. The safety of everyone involved is paramount and Essex Police will be involved to ensure everyone is safe.

Essex Police is monitoring social media and will not tolerate anyone who uses the internet or any electronic communication device to send inaccurate and false messages intending to incite disorder, or cause alarm.

What will be the effect on local units while this operation is ongoing?

Essex Police called upon other forces through the national Mutual Aid agreement to assist with the operation and is working to minimise disruption. Neighbourhood policing teams will continue to operate across the county as will other functions including roads policing and CID teams to ensure the county remains a safe place to live and work during the added pressures of such a large operation.

Will there be fewer officers on the beat during Op Cabinet?

Due to the Mutual Aid from other forces we hope residents will not see a reduction in the number of officers covering their locality. Essex Police will ensure all our neighbourhoods receive front line policing services. Neighbourhood policing teams will continue to operate across the county as will other functions including roads policing and CID teams to ensure the county remains a safe place to live and work during the added pressures of such a large operation.

Will residents have to wait longer for officers to respond to their calls?

Essex Police is working hard to ensure the operation does not have any adverse effect on policing the county. Essex Police is committed to meeting its targets around call handling and responding. There are a number of ways residents can report crime to Essex Police. Residents in Essex can contact police by calling 101 for any matters which do not require an urgent response, as well as continuing to use the 0300 non-emergency number. Any emergencies should be reported using 999.

What will happen to the displaced travellers?

Basildon Borough Council has offered the travellers alternative accommodation which we understand has been refused. We have advised land owners how to keep their land secure to prevent any unauthorised encampments.

What happens if travellers park up on other land?

Essex Police will work with local authorities and land owners to resolve any issues as they arise on a case by case basis.

Will police be using section 61 notices to move travellers on from other land? Essex Police would hope engagement with any travellers who did end up on other land without permission would resolve the situation quickly and amicably. Section 61 notices can be used by Essex Police which would be considered on a case by case basis.

Has Essex Police given guidance to land owners about how to secure their land to prevent travellers gaining access?

Essex Police has given guidance to land owners. We have advised them on ways to secure their property to prevent any trespassing. This is the same advice which is given all year round, regardless of this operation, however we can confirm this guidance has been reinforced.

What will happen to the roads surrounding Dale Farm? Will they be closed?

Essex Police is working with the Highways Department at Essex County Council to decide what restrictions or closures may need to be in place as a result of the enforcement action at Dale Farm. Our priority

is the safety of the road users and we will be working to ensure this as well as maintaining an open network and minimising the impact the enforcement action will cause.

Do you expect protestors?

The enforcement action has prompted people to show their support for the travellers living at Dale Farm. Essex Police will respect the right for people to protest in a lawful and peaceful manner. However, Essex Police will not tolerate any unlawful violence or disorder, and will deal with robustly with anyone intent on behaving in an unlawful manner.

Essex Police has plans in place to deal with disorder should it arise.

Do you expect observers to attend from across the country and further afield?

There has been substantial media interest in the case of Dale Farm and we are aware that many people have pledged support.

What is the best way for the public to gain an accurate picture of what is happening at Dale Farm?

Essex police will be making full use of its website and Twitter page to keep the public fully updated with the latest developments in the operation.

In addition to this we will be holding daily press briefings for local and national media.