Part 1 – Police Reform
4.Section 1 and Schedule 1 establish the National Policing Improvement Agency, a new body that will be formed to replace Centrex (the Central Police Training and Development Authority) and PITO (the Police Information Technology Organisation). Section 2 and Schedule 2 make amendments to the Police Act 1996 regarding the composition and functions of police authorities and other matters. Section 3 amends the Local Government Act 1972 to enable police authorities to delegate their functions in respect of only part of their area. Section 4 makes provision regarding police authorities as best value authorities. Section 5 and Schedule 3 make provision to enable police pension schemes to be merged . Section 6 and Schedule 4 provide for the Secretary of State to consult with the Association of Police Authorities (APA) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) before exercising certain powers in relation to policing. Sections 7 to 9 standardise the powers of Community Support Officers (CSOs) and provide a new power in relation to dealing with truancy. Schedule 5 makes amendments consequential on the new standard powers of CSOs and other minor amendments in connection with the exercise of police powers by police staff.