The paper provides background information and supporting documentation on the Model Policy's developmental philosophy and implementation requirements. The Model Policy identifies 15 positions as examples of common functions within police departments that are often filled by civilians and recommends that police agency administrators and supervisors examine the scope of personnel duties and responsibilities to determine if civilian personnel can be employed more economically or effectively. In transforming a position from sworn to civilian, the Model Policy suggests that a job task analysis be performed to identify the precise job responsibilities and qualifications necessary. Even though civilian personnel may be effectively employed in police departments, the Model Policy specifies prohibitions on their use. For example, law enforcement agencies should be alert to civilian personnel who, because of their affiliation with the police, attempt to assume law enforcement powers and authority they do not possess. The Model Policy also identifies when and under what conditions sworn officers may be assigned to designated civilian positions. While most civilian positions in police departments are in the support area, the Model Policy stipulates that professionally accepted screening, hiring, training, and related practices are just as important as they are for sworn personnel. Further, the Model Policy indicates that police departments should provide civilian employees adequate training and evaluate civilians under the same performance evaluation schedule as sworn personnel. The Model Policy also indicates that civilian volunteers may serve with law enforcement agencies in a number of volunteer capacities. 1 endnote