Title
Proposed Consolidation of Police Services Between the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND: The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the Town Council with an informational update on the proposed consolidation of police services between the Town of Carrboro and the Town of Chapel Hill. The presentation will outline the rationale for the proposal, anticipated operational and financial considerations, proposed governance and accountability measures, and the framework for a potential interlocal agreement. The presentation will also provide an opportunity for Council discussion, questions, and feedback to inform the continued evaluation and refinement of the proposal.
The Town of Carrboro is exploring a potential partnership with the Town of Chapel Hill to consolidate police services as part of a broader effort to strengthen public safety, enhance service delivery, expand specialized resources, and ensure the long-term sustainability of law enforcement operations.
The proposal responds to ongoing challenges associated with police staffing, recruitment, retention, training, and the increasing complexity of modern policing. A consolidated service model could provide greater operational capacity, expanded investigative resources, enhanced training opportunities, and more comprehensive community-based services while maintaining dedicated police coverage and responsiveness to Carrboro residents.
Since the proposal was publicly announced in October 2026, Town leadership has engaged with employees, community members, and elected officials to discuss potential benefits, concerns, and implementation considerations. Community feedback has emphasized the importance of preserving Carrboro's identity and community policing values, ensuring accountability and transparency, protecting employee interests, maintaining appropriate response times, and clearly demonstrating the financial and operational implications of consolidation.
Town staff, in coordina...
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