The high degree of independence from the authority of political officials which police chiefs have traditionally enjoyed should be formally specified by law, charter, or ordinance. Both the city management form of government and the British structure for the authority of the chief constable would be effective models for structuring the independence of police chiefs in the United States because police chiefs would then be accountable to elected bodies granting them the authority to perform all police-related administrative functions without political interference. Whatever structure is selected, it should ensure that police chiefs are the principal policymakers for law enforcement and protect the chiefs from arbitrary dismissal. Police chiefs should also be given a substantial role in collective bargaining with police unions in matters pertaining to working conditions.