Consolidation Case Study: Somerset County
Facts of the case
In 2012, Somerset County conducted a feasibility study
of the value of creating a county-wide police force. The
study examined combining the county’s 19 police depart-
ments into a force that would have an optimal number
of police officer of 12 more than the existing, 50 percent
fewer civilian positions and no existing officers would lose
their jobs. Savings during a 10-year period were forecast
at $44 million. A vote of the 19 municipalities was 17 to 2
against consolidation.
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Learning events
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Action items
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The first-of-its kind study in New Jersey took more
than two years to complete.
The panel formed to do the study included 50 per-
cent law enforcement – rank-and-file officers and
chiefs.
Seven subcommittees were created, one of which
looked at organization structure. Seven of the 10
me