NCJ Number
109611
Date Published
1986
Length
71 pages
Annotation
This study examines the issues that cause incorporated California cities to disband their police departments for an alternative form of policing, such as contract law enforcement with a neighboring agency, consolidation of police agencies, regionalization, or metropolitanization of police services.
Abstract
In October 1985, 217 of California's 433 incorporated cities were sent nonscientific survey questionnaires to be completed by the city managers. A total of 120 responded. Twenty-seven city managers were personally interviewed. Respondents gave three primary reasons for disbanding a police department: high cost of operation, the high cost of liability insurance, and police credibility. The report discusses the elements necessary for a police agency to become a service provider and identifies those persons that would either support or resist disbandment and their reasons why. Strategies are recommended for department heads, whether they be providers of contract law enforcement or destined for disbandment. Discussion points in negotiating a law enforcement contract are listed. A transitional management plan and a management structure are also proposed. 12-item bibliography. (Author abstract modified)