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<br />While consolidation is not the answer to all the challenges faced by small police departments, a <br />well-designed agreement can provide a number of benefits. For example, larger departments are <br />better able to accommodate training and employee personal needs while maintaining adequate <br />police protection. Further, larger departments can significantly aid in recruitment and retention <br />by allowing more opportunities for advancement. <br /> <br />On the other hand, planning and negotiating an agreement to combine forces is a big task, with a <br />lot of issues to consider and address. Here are some sample questions a community will need to <br />consider: <br />. How will the arrangement be structured? <br />. How will it be governed and managed? <br />. Is there support for the concept, among elected officials, citizens, other city o"!'ficials, <br />members of the departments, etc.? <br />. What will be the policy on personal equipment, such as weapons, uniforms, body armor, <br />etc.? <br />. How will liability be handled? <br />. How will the new department be identified. e.g., name, vehicle colors and markings, <br />uniforms, etc.? <br />These and many other questions must be resolved in a consolidation agreement. In answering <br />critical questions, some cities may determine consolidation is not a workable solution. <br /> <br />Cities or agencies that would like an information packet about consolidation should contact one <br />of the organizations listed above. The packet includes a list of resources, liability coverage <br />information, a checklist of issues to consider and more. <br /> <br />d0' <br />