Book excerpt: Cutting crime is the sole objective that the Government has set for the police. Serious and organised crime is a national threat that requires a multi-agency national response. Social and economic costs of drugs, drug-related crime, trafficking of vulnerable young women into prostitution and credit card fraud are estimated at between £20 billion and £40 billion. This paper outlines the intent to create a powerful new body of operational crime fighters. The National Crime Agency (NCA) will set the national operational agenda for fighting serious and organised crime. Headed by a senior chief constable, the Agency will have strong two-way links with local police forces and other law enforcement agencies. It will be home to a multi-agency intelligence capability drawing on existing resources. It will build and maintain a comprehensive picture of the threats, harm and risk to the UK from organised criminals. It will have the authority to co-ordinate police and other agencies to ensure networks of organised criminals are disrupted and prevented from operating. The NCA will have specialist operational capabilities, including a dedicated cyber crime unit. The latest technology will be harnessed to ensure that intelligence gathering and analytical capabilities match the threat from criminals seeking to evade detection. Sharing intelligence, capabilities, expertise and assets, the NCA will comprise distinct commands for Organised Crime, Border Policing, Economic Crime, and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, each with its own priorities. The NCA will be fully operational in 2013.