Background
11.The Government published the white paper Policing a New Century: A Blueprint for Reform (CM 5326) in December 2001 (available on the website http://www.policereform.gov.uk). The white paper set out the Government’s intentions for the future of policing in England and Wales. It followed an extensive period of consultation with the police service, representative organisations and others. The key principles of the reform programme are:
	to continue the reduction in crime;
	to tackle persistent offenders more effectively;
	to improve detection and conviction rates;
	to tackle anti-social behaviour;
	to reduce the fear of crime;
	to provide support to victims of crime; and
	to rebuild public confidence in key aspects of the police service.
12.A summary of the main responses to the white paper is available on the website: http://www.policereform.gov.uk
13.Many aspects of the reform programme can be implemented without primary legislation, through alteration of regulations, guidance issued by the Home Office, agreements between the Home Office and police organisations, and so on. This Act incorporates the changes that require legislation.