Strategy #13
Identifying and Sharing Resources
Law enforcement agencies can accomplish their mission in new and cooperative ways by
sharing resources with allied agencies, and participating in various coalitions. At times, outside
expertise may have to be obtained.
Background
The public’s concern for safety has generated a need for improved coordination, sharing of resources, and information between numerous public safety, transportation, and other related agencies. Citizens are demanding greater accountability from all public agencies. With few exceptions, agencies have limited tax funds to support a wide range of responsibilities and mandates. These funds should not be spent for redundant purchases of similar equipment (or facilities) for different agencies. These agencies should integrate systems that will allow them to pool their limited resources towards the common goal of improving safety and services for their customers.
Many agencies share staff resources with other related agencies through mutual aid pacts, but have not considered sharing programs, technology and information. Current and planned investments in incompatible technologies and systems by local, state, and federal agencies continue to exacerbate the problem. Adding to the problem is the fact that agencies cannot stop the implementation of systems in mid-deployment and, therefore, will continue spending funds for new systems and technology and updating communications equipment without focusing on resource sharing opportunities. New technology and systems can be costly, but through partnerships and resource sharing each agency can potentially save money over the long term and provide enhanced services.
Actions
- Ensure the departmental mission and broad policy directives encourage the cost-effective sharing of resources with allied and non-traditional agencies.
- Identify departmental strengths and weaknesses (in terms of personnel, equipment, and facilities); use this as a guide for partnering efforts.
- Consider the resources of other governmental agencies, both within and without the boundaries of your jurisdiction, that could be potential partners. Successful partnerships have included public works; departments of transportation, health, welfare, and probation; and the courts. Consider communications, computers, jails, and administration functions. Information technology issues include connectivity, autonomy, systems integration, and maintenance.
- Consider agencies at other levels of government (federal, state, county, tribal, and local) and agencies they have created which can be resources or partners.
- Create a resource list of experts, categorized by discipline.
- Form, join, and work with coalitions to help identify and resolve problems (such as a regional selective traffic enforcement program). This can be particularly effective if done under the auspices of a regional, state, national or international law enforcement organization such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Partnerships with the private sector should also be considered when appropriate.
- Establish a “key contact” program with elected officials to ensure the officials think of your department as an information resource and know your perspective on major issues.
- Encourage agency and individual membership and participation in local, regional, state, national, and international law enforcement associations to help maximize the knowledge and political influence of the profession and the agency, and to promote traffic and public safety.
- Become involved in municipal, metropolitan and regional planning bodies to help address congestion management, incident management, crash prevention, and intelligent transportation systems.
Benefits
- Taxpayer funds are used in a more effective and efficient manner.
- Expertise and potential funding sources are identified for additional programs and projects.
- Law enforcement serves as a model for other governmental agencies.
- Traffic and public safety are improved.
Other Considerations
- Issues of autonomy, jurisdiction and other institutional barriers are often difficult to overcome. There must be a spirit of cooperation and willingness to share as agencies attempt to go forward. The emphasis must be placed on the positive outcomes.
- A long-range systems plan may be necessary to help ensure inter-connectivity of devices and equipment, and compatibility of systems.
- Outside contractor cost may be a consideration.