Police and Law Enforcement Services

Code cities are required to appoint a chief law enforcement officer (RCW 35A.12.020). Towns are required to appoint a town marshal (RCW 35.27.070) and the town police department must be under the direction and control of the town marshal. Second class cities are required to appoint a police chief (RCW 35.23.021) and the city police department must be under the control and direction of the chief of police (subject to the direction of the mayor or city manager). Counties must provide for the election of a sheriff (RCW 36.16.030) unless otherwise provided in a home rule charter.

Beyond these minimum requirements, neither the state constitution nor state law mandates a specific number of law enforcement officers or level of law enforcement services. What a city, town or county does after they have the chief law enforcement officer in place is a policy decision for the city or town council or commission to determine. This page is intended to provide resources for police professionals, managers and policy makers on law enforcement management, programs, issues and policies.

Contents

• Requirements and Options for Provision of Police & Law Enforcement Services in Cities and Towns
• Police and Law Enforcement Services Organization and Management
• Interlocal Contracting for Law Enforcement Services
• Emergency Communication Services and Facilities
• Police and Law Enforcement Performance Standards and Levels of Service
• Police and Law Enforcement Personnel Management
• Police and Law Enforcement Programs, Policies and Issues
• Crime Prevention Programs
• Community Policing
• Police and Law Enforcement Community Relations
• Law Enforcement Links