The commissioners of supply were to levy a "police assessment" or special rate to finance the constabulary.

Constables in Berwickshire, Dumfriesshire and Roxburghshire were permitted to serve warrants in the counties of Cumberland and Northumberland across the English border.

An Inspector of Constabulary was to be appointed to ensure that an efficient police system was being operated by the various forces in Scotland.

He was to certify annually that each force was being effectively, making it eligible to payment of one quarter of its costs by the treasury.

The Act did not automatically extend to Orkney and Shetland, although it could be applied by Order in Council on the request of the sheriff of the county.