Contract Policing

Contract policing is when a government agency hires a private company or organization to provide law enforcement services instead of or alongside their own officers. This arrangement can include patrolling neighborhoods, handling emergencies, or other security tasks. The main goal is to improve efficiency, manage costs, or access specialized skills. While it can offer flexibility and resource relief, it also raises questions about accountability, community trust, and the consistency of law enforcement standards, since private entities operate under different regulations than public police agencies.