NCJ Number
74263
Date Published
1977
Length
165 pages
Annotation
This report describes a feasibility study for law enforcement cooperation among three small cities in northeastern Minnesota: Virginia, Eveleth, and Gilbert.
Abstract
The study was part of the Missabe Intergovernmental Project which was conducting similar productivity improvement studies of other municipal services for the three cities in 1976-77. A police study committee reviewed data on personnel, operations, and costs and considered the following alternatives: allowing the police departments to remain as they were; encouraging cooperation in some, but not all police functions and programs; and consolidating the departments into one. The committee concluded that consolidation offered the greatest potential for improved and expanded police services; however, the city councils did not accept this recommendation. The report gives the reasons for rejection and describes problems affecting the study process itself. Some of the major rejection factors included the reluctance of a larger departent with greater existing resources to share with the smaller ones; suspicions over the effects of consolidation on local autonomy; and breakdowns in the flow of information about the study to the eventual decisionmakers. Concerns about the costs of expanded services and existing political frictions among the participating cities also influenced the decisions of the councils. Sections provide information on the current law enforcement situation in each city and suggestions for other communites contemplating or presently involved in projects of this type. Appendixes contain data charts and tables, an officer survey, a draft joint powers agreement, an interim report, and information on pension systems. A reference list is not included.