What Is the Future of Contracted Law Enforcement Services in Small Jurisdictions by the Year 1998?

• NCJ Number: 117831
• Author(s): E W Garmon
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 74 pages
• Corporate Author: California Cmssn on Peace Officer Standards and Training
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services; POST Media Distribution Ctr
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This futures study examines the feasibility of contracting law enforcement services as a viable future alternative for small jurisdictions with limited budgets.

Abstract

The study begins with background research and the development of project objectives. Future forecasting of events and trends which may determine the need to explore law-enforcement contracting as a suitable alternative are also included. A cross-impact analysis examined these events and their relationship to one another and to future trends. Using these trends and events, three possible scenarios were developed to occur by the year 1998. A desirable and attainable futures scenario was selected to be the focal point of the remainder of the study. The recommended scenario would contract all law enforcement services for 1 year on an experimental basis. The strategic planning process for implementing the alternative is used for the City of Lindsay, Calif., in Tulare County, a small rural community of approximately 10,000 residents. The planning involved literature scanning, professional contacts, personal awareness, and an assessment of the internal capability of the police department, as well as an analysis of the environment for implementation of contracted law enforcement services. A transition management plan is presented. 11 notes, 16-item bibliography.