Local Government Law Bulletin #144

North Carolina’s 500+ municipalities (cities, towns, and villages) are authorized by statute to establish police departments. Most have their own departments, but quite a few contract with sheriffs’ offices for law enforcement services. 

Because sheriffs and their deputies have territorial jurisdiction to enforce the criminal law throughout their counties, including within city limits, sheriffs are a natural partner for contracts of this kind. 

In a best-case scenario, contracting with a sheriff allows a municipality to enjoy many of the benefits of operating a police department while avoiding some of the challenges. Having designated law enforcement officers on duty can significantly improve response times for calls for service within city limits. And having the same officers consistently assigned to a city allows those officers to get to know the city, its residents, and their needs.

Although contracting for law enforcement services offers several potential benefits to a municipality, there are also some potential negatives to consider.

First, operating a police department may be a point of civic pride. For some municipalities, having a police department is part of being a “real city” that is able to provide a full spectrum of local government services to its residents.

Second, operating a police department gives city leaders a measure of control over how law enforcement services are provided to city residents.

Third, contracting with a sheriff’s office may reduce a city’s ability to control the cost of law enforcement services.

In addition to discussing the advantages and disadvantages of contracts between municipalities and sheriffs’ offices, this bulletin covers the legal authority for such contracts, the contract approval process, and common terms included in contracts for law enforcement services.