THE DISCUSSION OPENS WITH AN OVERVIEW OF THE NEED FOR TWO TYPES OF LEGAL SERVICES -- LEGAL ADVICE AS A DECISIONMAKING AID FOR MANAGERS AND FIELD OFFICERS; AND COURTROOM SERVICES, SUCH AS TRIAL WORK AND PREPARATION OF LEGAL WRITS. A LIST OF SPECIFIC NEEDS FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE COVERS THE AREAS OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS, ASSISTANCE TO FIELD OFFICERS DURING INVESTIGATIONS, LEGAL REVIEW OF POLICY AND PROCEDURE, CASE PREPARATION AND REVIEW, AND OTHERS. SOURCES OF LEGAL ASSISTANCE GENERALLY AVAILABLE TO LOCAL POLICE AGENCIES ARE LISTED. CONSIDERATIONS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN DECIDING WHETHER TO HIRE A FULL-TIME LEGAL ADVISOR FOR A POLICE AGENCY ARE DISCUSSED, AS IS THE USE OF PARALEGALS AND LAW STUDENTS. COMMONLY USED LEGAL REFERENCES AVAILABLE IN MOST LAW LIBRARIES ARE CITED. THE STANDARD ON LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR POLICE AGENCIES SET FORTH BY THE NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMISSION ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE STANDARDS AND GOALS IS APPENDED. (LKM)