The research focused on whether CACs would enable police agencies to establish effective community alliances or whether they have so many pitfalls that they may impede the achievement of the goals of community policing. The analysis noted that CACs are a relatively inexpensive method to facilitate community involvement. However, lack of community representativeness, manipulation, casual treatment, and attempts at micromanagement can result in substantial problems for the police administrator. Nevertheless, a CAC strategy that is carefully planned, organized, and managed can be a valuable tool for increasing the effectiveness of municipal police agencies. A six-point strategy can assist agencies in the implementation of CACs. Its components include specifically defining the role of CACs, appointing a staff-level officer to oversee CAC implementation, and including a diagonal slice of agency personnel and crucial community members in the planning and implementation process. Additional strategies include developing and completing a community mapping process, developing a recruitment and selection process, and providing comprehensive and ongoing training to CAC members and agency personnel. Reference notes