In contrast to France, the Netherlands avoided the centralization associated with continental government styles of policing. The national force provides an equivalent, but less militaristic service to that of the French gendarmerie; but the central government influence, through initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency of the police, has undermined local influence. Moreover, the public involvement in the system is minimal as evidenced by the participation of the burgomaster with the police chief and prosecutor in the administration of the municipal police. In theory, the burgomaster is the representative of the local government; however, in practice, the burgomaster is a combination of civil servant and politician, appointed by the Ministry of the Interior for 6 years. There are marked variations within the Netherlands approach, particularly when the size of the police force varies. Neighborhood policing may be a feature of smaller cities; the national police, who are responsible for policing rural areas, provide minimal local cover. Particularly notable in the Netherlands systems is interagency cooperation, especially in crime prevention initiatives and job creation schemes. Although the Netherlands police system retains features of the continental model, it also parallels the system of policing in the United Kingdom.