NCJ Number
94847
Date Published
1984
Length
175 pages
Annotation
A feasibility study of law enforcement contracting in Marin County, Calif., found that a city-oriented contract law enforcement program in the county is neither needed nor feasible at present.
Abstract
Marin County wanted to know whether it should establish law enformcement contracts with unincorporated areas adjacent to cities. The study reviewed the literature and historical information from the county, surveyed all municipal police agencies in the county, conducted onsite visits of these agencies, and conducted interviews with other police personnel in the county. Over 100 in-person or telephone interviews were conducted. Statistics on population, community characteristics, crimes, arrests, and other matters were analyzed. Seven unincorporated areas were studied in detail as to reported crime and calls for police service for a 12-month period. The study found that a contract law enforcement program would not result in improved service for the same or less cost to the residents of such areas. Many of the unincorporated areas are not promising candidates for law enforcement contracting because they have no city police agency, are satisfied with their current services, or will be annexed by their adjoining cities eventually. The study recommends that the present situation be allowed to remain. A short-term solution would be to arrange a simple trade of territory under a Joint Powers Agreement to handle unique situations. In the long term, some form of law enforcement consolidation in the county could produce cost savings and improved services. The county should request funds to study the potential for police agency consolidation. Footnotes, the survey form, many tables, and about 75 references are provided.