Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced to give local authorities real power to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour. On paper, they are a strong and flexible tool.

In reality, I have seen too many fail to deliver.

After working with PSPOs for many years, one pattern appears again and again. Significant time, effort and public money goes into evidence gathering, consultation and drafting. Expectations are raised. Communities are promised change.

Then enforcement begins… and problems start to appear.

Too often, prohibitions are drafted without fully considering how they will be applied on the ground. Officers are left interpreting restrictions that are vague, difficult to evidence or simply unworkable in real-life situations.

Put simply — many PSPOs become toothless tigers.

Another challenge is public expectation. Launch communications often suggest PSPOs will dramatically reduce anti-social behaviour. However, the public are rarely given a clear understanding of how enforcement actually works. When breaches don’t result in immediate or visible action, confidence quickly drops.

In my experience, the biggest factor that determines whether a PSPO succeeds or struggles is enforcement training.

I have seen training delivered as a basic briefing that leaves officers unsure how to apply powers confidently. I have seen training delivered months before implementation, meaning knowledge fades. I have also seen training delivered far too late, after inconsistent practices have already developed.

Effective PSPO enforcement requires far more than understanding the wording of the order. Officers need confidence in applying legislation, gathering evidence, exercising discretion, managing conflict and working within clear organisational processes.

From experience, the most effective training is delivered shortly before implementation — usually within a few weeks of launch — with ongoing support available during the early stages of enforcement when real operational challenges emerge.

The reality is simple. A PSPO is only as strong as the people enforcing it.

Local authorities invest enormous time and resources creating these orders. That work continues through mandatory review and consultation periods. When implementation is weak, authorities risk repeating the entire process without delivering meaningful results.

A well-designed PSPO deserves strong operational delivery.

At RHE Global, we support local authorities by delivering bespoke PSPO training designed around real enforcement challenges. Our focus is on equipping officers and managers with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to make PSPOs work in the real world.

If you are introducing a PSPO — or if you have one that is not delivering the results you expected — early preparation can make all the difference.

If you want your PSPO to succeed, now is the time to act, for an informal chat please contact us at training@rheglobal.com