TOWN?councillors in?Okehampton have resoundingly put their support behind the possibility of police in the town being granted more powers.
The powers are part of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, and would allow officers to disperse groups of people acting in an anti-social way and not under the influence of alcohol from certain areas of the town.
The process includes identifying those carrying out anti-social behaviour, and removing them from particular areas for up to 24 hours.
If any person who has been moved on is seen back in the locality in the alloted time, they are committing an offence and can be arrested.
The powers would apply to specific areas of the town only, such as the town centre or Simmons Park.
Councillors were taken through the finer points of the powers by PC Matthew Evans and John Ward from Devon and Cornwall Police.
Speaking to councillors, PC Evans said: 'These powers would give officers the ability to disperse people carrying out anti-social behaviour without arrest, which is costly in terms of manpower and money.
'I wouldn't see us using these powers every day, maybe once or twice a week. It's just an additional tool in the bag when required.'
Along with the whole town council, Cllr David Weekes supported the idea: 'Prevention of such problems has to be better than a cure. Any tool that would help the police keep the peace is only a good thing.'
The police will now consult with the community to find out the opinons of local people on the measures, and consider whether to grant the powers.