The paper provides background material and supporting documentation on the Model Policy's developmental philosophy and implementation requirements. The Model Policy identifies legal considerations involved in creating and operating a Multi-Agency Investigative Team (MAIT), such as the formal agreement establishing the unit and requests for MAIT assistance. The MAIT agreement should be properly drafted; comply with Federal, State, and local laws; be accepted and executed by the appropriate officials in the jurisdictions concerned; contain a mechanism for terminating the agreement; identify responsibilities of chief executive officers in participating agencies; and include cost data on MAIT operations. Requests for MAIT assistance are examined in relation to command and control at the emergency scene, Federal and State law enforcement agency assistance, special areas within participating jurisdictions, and liability insurance for events associated with MAIT operations. Procedural issues pertinent to the MAIT are also discussed, including the supervisory board, personnel assignment and authority, and operational planning. The Model Policy is intentionally broad in its coverage of the MAIT because individual situations will require policy changes in order to accommodate specific jurisdictional. In all instances, however, State and local laws should be reviewed to determine the Model Policy's appropriateness. 16 endnotes