Neil Parpworth details the Crime & Policing Act 2026 powers targeting activists in balaclavas & ski masks
- Explains scope and nature of Crime and Policing Act 2026 powers regarding protesters who conceal their identities.
- Refers to recent use by two constabularies.
It has recently been reported that several police forces, including Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and Staffordshire constabularies, have made use of new powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2026 (CPA 2026) to deal with protestors who seek to conceal their identities in order to commit criminal offences. This article seeks to explain the nature and scope of the new powers.
Section 157
This provision ought to be read in conjunction with ss 158 and 159, CPA 2026, each of which came into effect on 29 June 2026: see the Crime and Policing Act 2026 (Commencement No 1 and Saving Provision) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/689), reg 2(1)(l). Under s 157, a person commits a summary offence where they are in a public place which has been designated pursuant to s 158, and at the
