Overview

The Policing and Crime Act 2009 is a wide-ranging UK Act covering various aspects of policing, sexual offences, alcohol misuse, and crime. It introduces new offences, amends existing laws, and establishes new bodies and processes. Key areas include police reform, increased powers for tackling prostitution and sex offences, measures to reduce alcohol misuse, and provisions relating to the proceeds of crime and extradition.

Description

Police Reform:

The Act created the Police Senior Appointments Panel to advise on senior officer appointments, promoting transparency and accountability. It also introduced provisions for greater police collaboration across force boundaries, including agreements on resource sharing and joint operations.

Sexual Offences and Sex Establishments:

New offenses were created concerning paying for sexual services where the prostitute was subjected to force or coercion, and soliciting for prostitution was strengthened. The act also introduced closure orders for premises used in sexual offenses and strengthened regulations around sexual entertainment venues.

Alcohol Misuse:

The Act lowered the threshold for the offence of selling alcohol to children and introduced a new offence for persistent alcohol possession by under-18s in public places. It also strengthened licensing conditions concerning alcohol.

Proceeds of Crime:

The Act significantly amended the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, enhancing powers relating to the seizure, detention, and forfeiture of assets obtained through crime. This included expanded search and seizure powers and new procedures for handling seized cash.

Extradition:

Amendments were made to the Extradition Act 2003, addressing circumstances where an individual is charged with or serving a sentence for an offence in the UK before or during extradition proceedings.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups:

The Independent Barring Board was renamed the Independent Safeguarding Authority. The Act included new offenses related to vetting of governing body members at educational establishments and strengthened information sharing protocols with police concerning safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Government Spending

The Act likely resulted in increased government spending in several areas, including the establishment and operation of the Police Senior Appointments Panel, increased enforcement of new offences, and the implementation of new procedures. Specific figures are not available in the provided text.

Groups Affected

• Police forces: Changes to senior officer appointments, collaboration agreements, and equipment regulations.
• Prostitutes and those involved in prostitution: New offenses and stricter enforcement.
• Sex offenders: New orders and restrictions on foreign travel.
• Individuals under 18: New offences related to alcohol possession in public places.
• Businesses selling alcohol: Changes to licensing conditions.
• Those involved in criminal activity: Increased powers of asset seizure and forfeiture.
• Individuals subject to extradition: Changes to procedures and timeframes.
• Educational establishments: New requirements for vetting members of governing bodies.
• Individuals working with vulnerable groups: Changes to barring process and information sharing.
• Travelers entering or leaving the UK: Increased information-gathering powers for border officials.
• Football spectators: Extended scope of banning orders and reporting requirements.

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