Operation Poncho: Broadway / Corporation of London

[Tom.]

Thread Note: This Thread discusses the tactics employed by the homeless Charity Broadway, the Corporation of London and London Police in 'Operation Poncho,' an exercise that involves waking homeless people from their sleep (often at 2am), wetting down the area where they were sleeping (preventing them from going back to sleep), and intervention by the charity Broadway.

The following is an account of the practice from street homeless in London and opposition to the abusive practice.

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For interesting reading if nothing more, I have copied below an extract of the British government vagrancy act of 1824.

Incidentally: With regards to .. " trespass " .. The charge of trespass on it's own is not likely to be a criminal offence. Trespass with intent is certainly a criminal offence, but trespass is / was seen by some law courts as an infringement on social liberties. i.e. We have the right to roam.



Source: http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?

Vagrancy Act 1824
1824 c.83 5_Geo_4

An Act for the Punishment of idle and disorderly Persons, and Rogues and Vagabonds, in England
Annotations:
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1 Short title given by Short Titles Act 1896 (c. 14)
C2 Preamble omitted under authority of Statute Law Revision Act 1890 (c. 33)

1, 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F1
Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F1 Ss. 1, 2 repealed by Statute Law Revision Act 1873 (c. 91)


3.
Persons committing certain offences how to be punished.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F2 [ F3 every petty chapman or pedlar wandering abroad, and trading without being duly licensed, or otherwise authorized by law; every common prostitute wandering in the public streets or public highways, or in any place of public resort, and behaving in a riotous or indecent manner; and every person wandering abroad, or placing himself or herself in any public place, street, highway, court, or passage, to beg or gather alms, or causing or procuring or encouraging any child or children so to do; shall be deemed an idle and disorderly person within the true intent and meaning of this Act; and [F4 , subject to section 70 of the Criminal Justice Act 1982,] it shall be lawful for any justice of the peace to commit such offender (being thereof convicted before him by his own view, or by the confession of such offender, or by the evidence on oath of one or more credible witness or witnesses,) to the house of correction, . . . F5 for any time not exceeding one calendar month.

[Tom.]

Within thirty six hours of posting the above extract of the ' Vargrancy act 1824 ' on this website the police from the corporation of London (the financial city of London) have started to wake and harass streeties from their sleep in the early hours of the morning on a daily basis. The word vagrancy is now for the first time appearing on the "stop and search " receipt that the police give to the homeless person after he / she has been woken up and questioned.

At four am this morning (5/5/08) I was awoken by a wpc (woman police constable) from the local police station, who informed me that during the course of this coming week I could expect my personal luggage to be " hosed down " by the city of London corporation street cleaners.
As I always keep my luggage with me I can only assume that I too will be subjected to this " hosing down " by the street cleaners.
This present intimidation exercise from the city of London police force is codenamed " operation Puncho " and is designed to reduce, or eradicate the number of homeless persons sleeping within their authoritative region. A ' not in our backyard ' mentality seems to be their answer to the London homeless situation.

England (this England) is a signatory to the " European charter of human rights " which quite simply entitles the European people to live their lives in peace and free from persecution and harassment. It will be interesting to see as the week progresses if these intimidation tactics that are being used by the city of London police against street homeless people are actually going to work, or whether this heavy handed policing policy will be used against people who's only crime is to be poor and living their circumstantial lifestyle in a manner that is not causing anyone any harm.

It just goes to prove that these forums are read by many influential people, not only within various police forces around the world, but important people that sit in even higher positions than the persecutors of the poor.

I will of course give an update on this present situation as and when the week unfolds.

[sk8r_rat]

That's really sad to hear Tom, that one post online seems to have stirred such an outdated and ridiculous law into action, although not so bad that those high up actually bother to read these threads (as they should!). The authorities in Australia did something along those lines when I was homeless too, trying to move people along through targeting streeties in a big police operation, although they didn't go so far as to charge us for vagrancy or hose us and our belongings. I hope that you're alright Tom, that you're well, and don't get woken up again or lose any of your things. I hope that anybody who's homeless in London right now finds somewhere safe to sleep (physically safe and also safe from persecution!), and I hope this ridiculous facade will come to and end soon.

Thanks for you post Tom!

Sk8r Girl.

[Tom.]

Thanks for your concern Sk8r Girl,

In the event I'm fine, it would seem that the prevailing attitude behind ' operation Puncho ' (I'm sure that should read ' Poncho ' but I'm using their spelling) is that if they [the police] cannot arrest us because we are committing no crime, they will harass and try to intimidate us from their area.
These sort of ' move on ' tactics are not new, it's a common occurance when there is a seasonal street peoples headcount due. The difference this time is the intimidation approach that accompanies the move on policy.

Despite being told on Monday that I could expect to be woken from my sleep early every morning this week, and also to be prepared to have my personal belongings hosed down by the street cleaners nothing happened to that effect last night (Tuesday), but the week is still young as yet.
A street colleague of mine was told by the London city police that he in person could expect to get hosed down !! He got his warning on the same night as me, but I've not had contact with him today to see if this threat was followed through.

I hasten to add that my colleagues and myself are always very clean and tidy and treat our sleeping places (Skippers) likewise. This is not a street cleaning exercise in the orthodox sense .. this is veiled institutionalised harassment in a supposed civilised nation.

[Rose]

Tom, I'm truly sorry to hear that you've been harassed in this way; what a stupid and futile act on the part of any authority, anywhere. I hope that one incident will be the end of it.

When they say 'hosed down' - surely they don't mean literally? With a water-hose? I can't see how such an act would constitute anything more or less than common assault - have you any way of checking this with someone who knows the law well?

If homeless people were subjected to common assault, they would surely be eligible for compensation from the city authorities, if the person(s) who assaulted them were acting under orders. Do you know of any lawyers who do pro bono work, especially civil rights issues? Perhaps the worthy persons who appear to have been so suddenly inspired by this thread might like to look into it as well, before they order some underling to go out onto the streets and begin assaulting people who deserve their assistance, not their vilification. Are you listening, you ladies and gentlemen in the neat suits?! You can't actually stoop much lower than victimising people who you believe to have no recourse and no way of defending themselves against you - can you?

[Tom.]

Thanks for your concern also Rose ...

Tuesday night was without incident also. No sign of the police or hosepipes as threatened.

The street homeless people that have been subjected to this latest form of harassment and are all known to me .. are long term (entrenched) street sleepers, and not interested in connecting with the street outreach teams.
We suspect that this intimidation was initiated to try and frighten us into cooperating with the local authority that pay for the outreach services and hostel accommodation that is available.
We also know from previous conversations with some police officers that they do not like to be used for political purposes such as this, but they have to follow orders from their superiors. (The infant face of fascism ?) Some police officers take delight in stopping the same street homeless guys every time he / she encounters them. Is this victimisation or harassment ? Perhaps it will take a ruling from the law courts to answer that.

I would certainly pursue the course of common assault If I were to get a soaking from a hose pipe in this manner, and yes, some of us have discussed the notion of collectively going to see a solicitor regarding the way that we are sometimes treated by those in authority. Including the police. I also suspect the the national press would like to hear more on this subject, and I have some contacts in the business that I could email or phone if I feel the need to do so.

I personally have informed the outreach teams and their employers that I will not hesitate to get a court injunction served upon them if they continue to harass and bother me in their attempts to sell me something that I do not want. For my part that has worked, and they stay clear of me now.
Outreach teams try to get people into hostels. Hostels are seen by most street homeless people as a downward movement instead of beneficial move to a return to mainstream society.
Whatever our individual opinions on the subject we have the right to live our lives as we wish providing we stay within the boundaries of the law. There are laws already in place to deal with the undesirable anti social elements of the homeless population, and to harass all of us for the bad behaviour of a few is not really the way intelligent people should behave is it ?

[Tom.]

Thursday 8 / 5 / 08.

At 1:50 am this morning I was woken from my sleep by a corporation of London policeman who informed me that I had to leave my regular sleeping place immediately.
After he did his usual criminal record check on me and gave me the all clear receipt of such, he informed me that I had ten minutes to vacate the doorway in which I sleep.

At 2:20 am by which time I was on my feet and had my personal belongings in my rucksack, a water tanker from the corporation of London stopped outside the doorway and two workers emerged from the vehicle. They brought a ten gallon container of water with them and gave the doorway a soaking. The police officer then told me in no uncertain terms to " leave the city."
This was not a orthodox cleaning exercise, the reason for the soaking was to prevent me from bedding down there again because of the wetness.
On completion of his instructions, (which he took delight in doing) the police officer boarded the water bowser and it drove away.

Re my previous post regarding homeless persons hostels; the link below will take interested readers to the " pavement magazine " which is a monthly free publication for the London homeless scene.

http://www.thepavement.org.uk/

In the latest edition (issue 31) on page 4 there is another account of the conditions that prevail in homeless persons hostels.
What is highlighted in this story is coupled with many other problems in these sort of establishments such as: violence / drug abuse and selling / alcohol abuse / mental illness among clients / theft of belongings by both clients and staff / attitude problems by clients and staff / poor and inadequate food service / intimidation / bullying / prostitution ... and so on.

Many people have confirmed that life in HM prisons is much better and preferrable to hostel life. Some re-offend to return to prison as a result.

[Tom.]

Saturday 10 / 05 / 08

0I:50 am .. Likewise, again I was awakened by a city of London (corporation of London) police officer and asked to vacate my sleeping place. Having done as the officer requested the doorway was then doused in water. There was very little conversation between the policeman and myself except for the routine CRO. (criminal record check.)

On this occasion of the police visit I took two images of his actions on my mobile phone and informed the officer that my colleagues and myself have been in discussion about taking legal advice with the view to prosecution the police for harassment. This particular police officer was polite and well mannered throughtout his duties.

By 02:30 the corporation water bowser and the police officer had gone in search of other victims (there are many of us) I waited a reasonable period of time for the doorway to dry out (London is very hot at the moment) and bedded down again without further disturbance.

[Dominic]

There is no relation to your posts in this forum and the Police operation or the city of London corporation's actions.

Their actions however and "operation Puncho" are specifically of concern and not acceptable.

For now please continue documenting Police and the Mayor of London's policy publicly in the forums.

I'll see who else I can talk this over with.

[Tom.]

It must be a big coincidence Dominic that they started using the word vagrancy at the same time that I posted the extract from the " vagrancy act of 1824."

The situation is without visible change at the moment. Operation Poncho (Puncho is a misspelling .. their wrong)

Sunday morning I was not subjected to the harassment of the previous few days, although at least one of my street colleagues was.

Monday morning at 01:50am the police and corporation of London cleaners were back as normal. This time I was ready for them with a 'disposable camera' kindly bought for me by a lady friend. The film will be developed by a magazine that is in close contact with me and preparing a story about this harassment by the corporation of London.
Also on Monday I received a email asking me if I would like a chance to meet with some officials of the corporation of London (local authority) for a talk. I declined the invitation, but said I would consider it only after this police harassing operation had ceased, but certainly not before.

Tuesday ( 13 / 05 / 08 ) I was woken by a street colleague at 01:30am informing me that he had just received the usual water treatment and the policeman who knows me by name told him that they would be coming to me next. ( Police officers change daily for this operation as it's not a popular task for them, some of them actually apologise for having to do it.)
I made myself ready for their arrival, camera again at the ready, but they drove straight past me without stopping. I waited a short while and bedded down again without further disturbance.

I have arranged for many street people that have been subjected to this police operation to meet with a reporter tomorrow (Wednesday) to give their stories. We are also making arrangements to seek legal action against the City of London for infringement of civil liberties / harassment / violation of human rights.

[Tom.]

Wednesday 14 /05 / 08.

At 01:30 this morning I was again subjected to the same water treatment, I was woken by a police officer and asked to pack up my personal effects and vacate the doorway in which I sleep in. Having done as requested the doorway was flushed with water and the street cleaning workmen turned their attention to another street sleeper across the road.

I photographed the ' water flushing exercise ' in my doorway, but the workmen tried to hinder me from photographing the incident on the other side of the road by driving their van between me and the *victim being doused. Needless to say I got the pictures that I wanted by dodging in and out of the traffic and both of them losing sight of me momentarily. After this mornings incident had passed, I again settled down in the doorway (by now dry) to sleep without further disturbance.

The new Mayor of London Boris Johnson. (not to be confused with the Lord Mayor of London) made a pre election pledge to clear London's streets of homeless people by the year 2012 in time for the Olympic games which will be held in London. If this is how he intends to fulfil that promise remains to be seen.

http://www.boris-johnson.com/

* There are some long term street people that have mental health issues on our streets to various degrees of severity. Overall they are harmless individuals who would not harm, or in some cases speak with anyone. This is the ' care in the community ' programme in England today, these individuals are also being subjected to this institutionalised harassment and for no other reason than for being without a home.

[tera]

tom thats alful. i hope you are ok thats just a horrid thing to do, why are people just so mean to each other..grrrr
u should send the pictures to the paper!!!!
take care of yourself

[tera]

thats a breach of human rights...harrasment and stuff... there laws agaisnt that ...?
crewl ! so very wrong......ooooooooo thats made me mad.......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Hermes57]

Tom ..THis so called literal flush out of the homeless is criminal..

Here in Sydney.. a similar operation was in place for the olympics.. 100"s were sent out of the city,, KoorIs were sent to their country cousins Etc..causing all,sorts of social problems every where ,, poss. due to resentment etc..
It remains to be seen ,, how these actions will and are perceived ..

Keep up the pressure our thoughts are with you....
There is so much at the moment that needs addressing ...
Look at what is happening RE ..Burma .. Japan ... China ...and all over the world ..the situation is esculating beyond reason.....

love hermes

[Tom.]

Thanks for your support guys. The real villains of the peace in this " Operation Poncho "are not the City of London police (although some of their officers need to do a little soul searching) but the charitable organisation " Broadway " in partnership with the " City of London " (Corporation of London) authority.The City Police have overall been very professional in their duties during this very unpopular task to which they have been assigned.

http://www.broadwaylondon.org/

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/NR/rd...s_strategy.pdf

There are too many charitable organisations that are claiming monies for the street homeless community but only interested in acting like a " posse " for the local authority. Politics should be left to politicians, and not to church groups and charities to administer.
Compassion before political philosophy should be the logo for these organisations that are only out for their own purposes at the expence of the street homeless person.

Accommodating homeless people in ..squalor .. poverty .. and social exclusion .. is not the answer to the homeless problem. It might reduce the street counts for political purposes, but it does nothing to improve the quality of life for the street homeless individual. For those that suggest that housing a homeless person should be the first step on the " road map " to recovery, you are wrong. Rather than tell homeless people what you want, why not ask them what they want ? Cooperation can produce results.

I would ask anyone that is donating money to a homeless charity to check out that charity very carefully, and do not believe all the brochure crap that can be read on it's website.
Here in London there are a lot of imposter's that are only out for their own job security and treat the homeless as though we were inferior in some way. Not so, take a reality check occasionally and think for yourselves and not like politicians.
Operation Poncho is " Broadway " trying to drive homeless people towards hostels with a big stick mentallity .. It won't work and it's a violation of our human rights. Only by being in (unfit for human habitation) hostels can we be making money for them.

Wednesday 14 / 05 / 08

01:30 am .. Similar tactics were deployed re: Operation Poncho.

A general press release is being prepared for distribution, and a national TV company is already interested in this harassment excercise by the real Villains of the peace as exposed above. Legal proceedings are still being explored by those of us that are being subjected to this institutionalised harassment which amounts to violation of our human rights.

[Tom.]

Friday 16 / 05 / 08

My wake up call came at 03:35am this morning courtesy of The city Police. The same procedure, which has now become a routine. I got up, collected my belongings together and my bedroom was again flooded with water from a ten gallon container by a workman from the Corporation of London.

Additional information regarding " Operation Poncho."

Police officers from a different location of the City have now been detailed onto this duty.

Fast food outlets in the City of London have been requested by the police to break up all food stuffs (sandwiches e.t.c.) prior to putting them into the plastic dustbags and leaving them outside for refuse collection. This ensures that street sleepers cannot eat from this otherwise near to 'sell by date ' food.
In reality, not many street people eat this way, but many European immigrants and other accommodated and poverished people are dependant on this sort of food source and will find it very difficult in the future.

Despite having a link to this site / thread the persecuting powers prefer to remain silent on this matter. Perhaps they do not wish to lower themselves to be seen associating with such a low life form as homeless people.

I will give them something to ponder on for the weekend and perhaps also to remind them that for the street homeless there is no weekend. we are 24 / 7.

During the great war (WW 1 .. 1914 ~ 1918) there was a phrase known among the British soldiers in the trenches as ..
" Lions led by donkeys. "It was a phrase popularly used to describe the British infantry to condemn the generals who commanded them. I am reminded of this when I witness the conduct of the city of London police going about their unpleasant duties during " operation Poncho." I will leave it to the readers of this forum to interpret who the donkeys might be.

During the second world war (WW 11 .. 1939 ~ 1945) we had in Great Britain a truly remarkable politician that stood against fascism, not to promote it. His name was .." Sir Winston Churchill " .. I will leave you with a quote from this last true leader of the British people that led our nation out of the darkness, as opposed to those leaders today that prefer to live in darkness.

Lest we forget ...

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

I detect that there are undertones of Christianity in that statement (something that has long since disappeared from our islands) but I'm sure that under the prevailing circumstances Dominic the forums administrator will forgive me for posting it.

[Konstantìn]

You know what really gets me about this operation, is just how insanely petty and mean spirited it is.

Warm Regards,
Konstantin.

[Dominic]

Your post is most welcome Tom.

I am continuing in my efforts and will be in touch privately.

[Tom.]

Thanks for the thumbs up Dominic, I would not have expected anything different from you.

Just to give an update on the ongoing " operation Poncho. "

Saturday morning brought this Aqua exercise to my sleeping quarters yet again. I have photographed this operation during the course of the last few days and will send Dominic some photographs that I took in due course. Maybe Dominic will post them on this site.
At the moment I cannot release those images as there will be a press release soon regarding ' Operation Poncho ' and I have exclusive rights to those images. Should the press wish to purchase them from me any monies generated by that transaction will be donated to a worthy homeless persons charity here in London.

This morning Sunday 18 / 05 / 08 There was no visitation from the police or corporation of London road cleaners.

[sk8r_rat]

Glad to here that you had one night at least Tom free from police harrassment. And thanks for your continuing posts about the operation going on, very informative and thought provoking, and the more people who know what is happening the better. I really hope for the sake of you and the rest of the London homeless population that police move on orders and water treatment stop soon, it's like kicking people (for no reason) who are already down. Crazy! But we're thinking of your Tom, hang it there, and take care of yourself too (not just everybody else ). Hope it gets better.

Sk8r Girl.