Sections 1 to 35 concern the national and regional organisation of the police force, with slightly differently applicable rules inside and outside London.

Sections 36 to 58 concern the functions of the Secretary of State in setting the police forces' objectives, handling budgets, and making more detailed regulations.

Sections 59 to 64 concern the Police Federation of England and Wales and related rules.

This was thought to make the police exceptional, and as an alternative, a system of arbitration to resolve workplace disputes was instituted.

Subsequently, the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 increased the maximum sentence on summary conviction to 12 months.