NCJ Number
49432
Date Published
1971
Length
304 pages
Annotation
FRAGMENTATION OF POLICE SERVICES IN RURAL WHITMAN COUNTY, WASH., IS EXAMINED, AND ORGANIZATIONAL ALTERNATIVES ARE EXPLORED.
Abstract
THE STUDY OPENS WITH A REVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, WITH EMPHASIS ON FACTORS THAT MAY ACCOUNT FOR FRAGMENTATION. THE STATUS OF ENABLING LEGISLATION FOR INTERGOVERNMENTAL POLICE SERVICE CONSOLIDATION AGREEMENTS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES IS ASSESSED. VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONAL APPROACHES TO CONSOLIDATED POLICE SYSTEMS AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT CONCEPTS ARE DESCRIBED. THE STATUS OF POLICE ORGANIZATION IN WHITMAN COUNTY IS EVALUATED. THE COUNTY'S 19 SEPARATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES INCLUDE THE STATE HIGHWAY PATROL, THE COUNTY SHERIFF, THE WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY SECURITY FORCE, AND 16 LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT JURISDICTIONS (CITIES, TOWNS, AND VILLAGES). THE FUNCTIONS OF STAFF SERVICES, AUXILIARY SERVICES, AND FIELD OPERATION PROGRAMS PERFORMED BY EACH AGENCY ARE ANALYZED AND DESCRIBED IN DETAIL. THE FEASIBILITY OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION AND COORDINATION AMONG THE LAW ENFORCEMENT ENTITIES OF WHITMAN COUNTY IN THE FORM OF A CONSOLIDATED POLICE SYSTEM OR AN INTEGRATED POLICE FUNCTION IS CONSIDERED. A NEW SYSTEM IS ENVISIONED IN WHICH A COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD PROVIDE TOTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES TO ALL CITIES AND TOWNS ON AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONTRACTUAL BASIS. COPIES OF STUDY INSTRUMENTS, SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION, AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY ARE PROVIDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)