Many chiefs of police function effectively, commit to long- term efforts, surpass expectations, and assume professional leadership roles without written contracts or letters of agreement that provide job security. A contract, however, provides benefits to the chief and to the city, county, or State's appointing authority. It clarifies the employer/employee relationship as well as the employee's scope of authority. It benefits the employer by establishing a structure for accountability and promoting responsiveness; and it benefits the employee by defining the nature of his/her responsibilities and clarifying the length of the appointment or term. The police chief without a contract may focus on programs and make decisions that ensure job security rather than on those more relevant to the needs of the department and community. One chapter focuses on the importance of clarifying the nature of the working relationship between the chief of police and the governing executive; it also addresses steps the prospective employer should take to set the stage for successful contract negotiations. These are prenegotiation considerations. Other chapters address getting a contract and the negotiating process. A chapter on the final contract describes these elements: the preamble; term, severance pay, and termination clause; term of office; nature of duties; compensation; automobile and automobile allowance; hours of work; professional development; performance evaluation; insurance; retirement; moving expenses; residency; benefits package; death during employment; indemnification for professional liability; general provisions; and letter of agreement in lieu of a contract. 15 references and appended sample chief and director contracts, sample school superintendent contract, sample city manager contracts, sample letters of agreement, and contract outline