The Act Commentary on Sections Part 1: Police Reform Paragraph 2: The Agency’s principal power
22.This paragraph enables the Agency to achieve the objects set out in paragraph 1 by giving it the power to do anything it considers appropriate to attain those objects. Sub-paragraph (2)(a) makes it clear that the Agency may support police forces by carrying on activities itself (e.g. operating the Police National Computer following the abolition of PITO, providing training or undertaking procurement work) as well as by assisting police forces in their carrying-on of activities. Sub-paragraphs (2)(b) and (3) enable the Agency to accept gifts or loans, where it decides to do so in connection with the discharge of its objects. Sub-paragraph (4) precludes the Agency from borrowing money or other property without the consent of the Secretary of State.
23.Sub-paragraph (5) requires the Agency to obtain agreement from a Scottish, Northern Ireland or off-shore policing body (collectively termed “restrictedly listed police forces”), or the body’s chief officer or the authority that maintains the body, before providing advice, assistance or support to or for the body.