Introduction

Many small cities face the challenge of supporting an independent police department due to limited tax bases. This often leads them to contract with county sheriffs offices for both law enforcement and fire fighting services. Understanding the reasons behind these decisions is crucial for both policy makers and residents.

The Financial Challenge

Small cities often lack the financial resources necessary to maintain a fully independent police department. For example, the city of Los Angeles, which spans 4.5 square miles, might only have three officers on duty at any given time, with one officer left without backup due to budget constraints. Such limitations highlight the necessity of contracting services with county departments.

Cost and Savings

The cost of an in-house law enforcement agency versus the cost savings of contracted services can be substantial. Cities benefit from economies of scale when contracting with county offices, as they can pool resources and share expenses. This makes it more financially feasible for smaller municipalities to maintain essential services.

Economies of Scale

Economies of scale refer to the cost advantages that a firm realizes through expansion. In the context of law enforcement, this means that a county sheriff’s department can serve multiple small cities more cost-effectively than each city maintaining its own force. This efficiency is a significant factor in the decision to contract services.

The Lakewood Plan

The Lakewood Plan, a model adopted by the city of Lakewood, California, serves as a successful example of how a city can take control of its own police department. This plan demonstrates that while contracting services can be more cost-effective, there are also benefits to having an independent police force. The city can tailor its services to meet specific local needs, ensuring that officers have a deep understanding of the community they serve.

Local Control and Ambiguity

The concept of local control is often ambiguous. While some cities choose to contract with county sheriffs, others prefer to establish independent police forces. Local control allows cities to tailor their services to match community needs, although it may come at a higher financial cost. The choice between contracting and establishing an independent force ultimately depends on the city’s budget, community preferences, and administrative goals.

Community Familiarity and Voting Dynamics

City leaders and voters may prefer an independent police force due to the familiarity of officers with local conditions. Officers who live in the same community as residents are known to their neighbors, which can foster better community relations and improve service delivery. However, this benefit must be weighed against the cost of maintaining an independent force.

Funding and Responsibility

The decision to contract law enforcement services with county sheriffs also shifts some of the financial burden from the city to the county. This can be beneficial for cash-strapped cities, allowing them to allocate more resources to other critical areas such as education and infrastructure. Additionally, it provides mayors with another department to manage, giving them a sense of control over a vital local service.

Conclusion

Whether a city contracts with a county sheriff’s department or establishes an independent police force, the decision is influenced by a complex interplay of financial, administrative, and community factors. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for making informed choices that best serve the needs of the community. Whether through economies of scale, local control, or the benefits of community familiarity, both models have their merits, and the choice often comes down to the specific circumstances and priorities of each city.