Factors found to be steadily increasing the gap between the system's ability and the scope of functions it must perform included rising levels of crime, the increasing spillover of law enforcement problems across municipal lines, mounting demand for such specialized law enforcement functions as narcotics enforcement and juvenile units, and increasing pressure on municipal fiscal resources coupled with growing competition between services for these funds. Increasing disparities among communities were also found with respect to the level and quality of police work. Thus, standards for minimum performance of police functions are needed and should address such areas as rapid communications capability, convenient access to a crime laboratory, and necessary levels of patrol coverage. Communities should not be forced to develop and maintain their own police departments as the only means of assuring themselves of adequate police services. A series of alternative approaches should be provided, rather than a specific regional structure for law enforcement services. Recommended actions include the formation of standards through a body broadly representative of law enforcement as well as of State legislative and executive concern. Enactment of legislation permitting areawide law enforcement agencies and the establishment of a legislative body to review, codify, and update laws pertaining to law enforcement activities are also recommended. Additional recommendations, footnotes, charts, and tables are provided. (Author abstract modified)