By Captain Aaron May
Rural village police departments face a unique set of challenges that often hinder their ability to provide effective law enforcement services. Limited budgets, understaffing and an ever-growing list of responsibilities strain these small agencies, making it difficult to maintain the level of service their communities expect. One innovative solution gaining traction is contracting police services to neighboring townships and villages. This approach not only optimizes resources but also enhances service coverage, allowing small departments to punch above their weight. This article delves into the current state of rural village policing, the benefits, and challenges of contracting services, and provides expert insights for those considering such partnerships.
The state of rural village police departments
Rural village police departments often operate with minimal staffing and outdated equipment, struggling to meet the needs of their communities. Many are reliant on small budgets derived from local taxes, which can be inconsistent and insufficient to cover rising costs. Even more frightening is that some have no budget at all and frequently pull from the village general funds to support their operations. Officers in these departments juggle multiple roles, from patrolling and investigations to administrative duties, leading to burnout and reduced effectiveness. Additionally, recruitment and retention issues further exacerbate staffing shortages, making it difficult for these departments to maintain 24/7 coverage.
According to a report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, small police departments serving populations under 10,000 face higher per-capita costs compared to their larger counterparts due to the lack of economies of scale. [1] This financial strain limits their ability to invest in training, technology, and other resources needed to improve public safety outcomes. As a result, rural village police departments often find themselves unable to provide the same level of specialized services, such as dedicated detectives or mental health crisis intervention teams, that larger departments can offer.
Benefits of contracting police services
Contracting police services to neighboring townships and municipalities can provide numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for rural village departments looking to enhance their capabilities. Cost savings are achieved by pooling resources with neighboring jurisdictions, reducing operational costs through shared services, and eliminating the need for separate administrative and command structures. Resource optimization allows rural departments to leverage the strengths of larger, better-equipped agencies, granting access to specialized units like K-9 teams, crime scene investigators, or SWAT, which would otherwise be financially impossible for small village departments to maintain.
Enhanced service coverage ensures a continuous law enforcement presence, even during times of personnel shortages or high-demand situations. This model also allows for better distribution of officers, ensuring that high-priority calls receive the necessary attention without compromising routine patrols. Additionally, increased professional development opportunities are provided to officers in contracted arrangements, allowing them access to broader training and career development programs that can increase job satisfaction and professional growth, especially for small-town officers who may feel limited in their current roles.
Case studies of successful contracts
Several rural communities have already embraced contracting as a viable solution, demonstrating its potential benefits.
The Village of Milford, Michigan, provides a notable example. Milford’s police department entered into a service agreement with the nearby community of Milford Township to address staffing and budget challenges. [2] This arrangement allowed Milford Township to receive quality policing services without the overhead costs of establishing a separate department. The partnership not only enhanced response times and police presence in both communities but also allowed for the sharing of resources, such as equipment and specialized units, which would have been financially out of reach for either community on its own.
The Village of Richfield and Richfield Township in Summit County, Ohio, entered into a unique service contract to enhance policing capabilities for both jurisdictions. [3] By combining resources, the village and township were able to share a single police department, which reduced administrative costs and improved operational efficiency. This arrangement allowed for better resource allocation, including increased patrol coverage and quicker response times, all while maintaining local oversight. The partnership was structured to keep a visible police presence in both the village and township, addressing residents’ concerns about losing local identity and accountability.
The Village of Baltimore, Ohio, faced with the challenge of maintaining a small police force, entered into a contract to provide police services for the nearby Village of Thurston. [4] This agreement allowed Thurston to benefit from Baltimore’s established police force, enhancing patrol coverage and response times without the financial burden of maintaining its department. The contract provided a cost-effective solution for both villages, optimizing resources while preserving local control and addressing community safety needs. This arrangement also demonstrated the flexibility of contract policing, where Baltimore’s officers maintained visibility in Thurston, ensuring residents still felt connected to their law enforcement services.
Potential drawbacks and challenges
While the benefits of contracting are significant, rural departments must also consider potential challenges. Jurisdictional issues can arise, particularly when incidents occur near the boundaries of multiple service areas. Clear agreements and communication protocols are essential to ensure that responsibilities are well-defined and legally sound. Community concerns may also surface, as residents of rural communities often value the close-knit, locally controlled nature of their village police departments. Contracting services can create concerns about losing local accountability, response times, or familiarity between officers and residents. Maintaining a visible local presence and open lines of communication is crucial to addressing these fears
Differences in policing culture can lead to clashes in philosophies or operational standards when integrating officers from different departments. Rural departments should ensure that contracted services align with their community’s values and expectations to maintain public trust. Additionally, legal and administrative complexities require careful legal and financial planning, including drafting interagency agreements, negotiating costs, and managing liability. Clear terms must be established to avoid misunderstandings or disputes down the line.
Expert recommendations for contracting services
Experts in law enforcement and public administration recommend several best practices for rural departments considering service contracts. Conducting a thorough needs assessment is crucial before entering into any contract, allowing departments to identify their needs, resources, and community expectations. This ensures that the contracted services will effectively address the department’s gaps without compromising local control. Engaging community stakeholders through open dialogue with community members, local government officials, and neighboring jurisdictions is critical. Public meetings, surveys, and focus groups can provide valuable insights and help build support for contracting decisions.
Drafting clear agreements is essential, outlining the scope of services, cost-sharing arrangements, and performance expectations. Establishing accountability measures and regular review processes ensures the partnership continues to meet the needs of all parties involved. Maintaining local identity can also be preserved, even when contracting services, by maintaining visible local offices, hiring officers familiar with the community, and ensuring that contracted personnel are integrated into community outreach and engagement efforts.
Future trends in rural policing and regional partnerships
As financial pressures on rural municipalities persist, the trend of contracting police services is likely to grow. Advances in technology, such as remote monitoring systems and data-sharing platforms, will further facilitate interagency cooperation, making contracted arrangements even more effective. Additionally, state and federal grants focused on regional cooperation could provide financial incentives for departments to pursue service contracts. However, the future of rural policing will also depend on the ability of local leaders to balance efficiency with community expectations. By carefully considering the benefits and challenges, rural village police departments can make informed decisions that enhance their service capabilities while preserving the close-knit, community-oriented approach that defines small-town policing.
Conclusion
Contracting police services offers a viable path forward for rural village departments grappling with budget constraints, staffing shortages, and growing demands. By leveraging partnerships with neighboring townships, these departments can optimize resources, enhance service delivery, and provide a higher standard of public safety. While challenges exist, careful planning, clear communication, and community engagement can help rural agencies navigate the complexities of contracting arrangements and build stronger, more resilient policing models for the future.
References
1. Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2021.) Survey of Law Enforcement Agencies, 2016. U.S. Department of Justice.
2. Village of Milford. (n.d.). Milford Police Department. Village of Milford.
3. Lukasik A. (August 30, 2023.) Council discusses township safety services contract. Scriptype.com.
4. Village of Thurston. (2021.) Ordinance 2021-16: Agreement for police services with the Village of Baltimore.
About the author
Captain Aaron May serves within the Corning, Ohio Police Department, with over 10 years of experience in law enforcement in areas of administration, detective, field training officer, canine handler, intelligence officer, and evidence room technician. His background includes five years as a military police officer in the Ohio Army National Guard. Captain May is currently pursuing a master’s degree. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his loving wife and three children.