The traditional response of small urban police departments is for each city to provide its own police services. As an alternative, some cities use the sheriff's department to provide law enforcement services on a contract basis. The ability to provide quality police services in a cost-effective manner will continue to be the focus of city management into the next century. Trends affecting service delivery by small urban police departments in California are analyzed, including government funding, illegal immigration, and political resistance to police consolidation. Strategies for providing police services in the future are described, such as developing alternative funding sources, reducing service levels to meet existing budgets, contracting services with other agencies, and consolidating services at various level. The most feasible strategy is to gradually consolidate services between multiple agencies. Ways of implementing this strategy are considered, and related policy recommendations are offered. 7 endnotes