A Content Analysis of Police Shared Service Agreements

Abstract

Abstract New Jersey, like the nation, is home to many small police departments that may be incapable of providing the level and type of services required by 21st century policing. In total, 26 municipalities in the state contract services with a larger local department. The study provides the first systematic analysis of police shared service agreement contracts in New Jersey across seven features: services and division of services, term of contract, cost and cost adjustments, early termination, and chain of command. The goal is to highlight the frequency and range of clauses included in these documents, to identify the responsibilities of the provider and receiver, to identify features that make contracts more or less palatable for the public, and to make recommendations for those parties interested in entering or renewing a shared service contract.