AT THE TIME OF THIS FEBRUARY 1972 REPORT, THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, WITH A FORCE OF FOUR MEN, WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTY - POPULATION 8000 - WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE TOWN OF MCCORMICK. THE TOWN - POPULATION 2000 AND AREA 3 SQUARE MILES - HAD A POLICE FORCE OF TEN MEN. A REVIEW OF THE OPERATIONS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE TWO DEPARTMENTS INDICATED THAT SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS COULD BE REALIZED THROUGH THE CONSOLIDATION OF DETENTION FACILITIES, RECORD MAINTENANCE AND CONTROL, COMMUNICATION BASE OPERATIONS, AND THE PROCUREMENT OF SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT FOR COUNTY-WIDE USE. CONSOLIDATION, IT WAS CONCLUDED, WOULD BE BOTH PRACTICAL AND FEASIBLE. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF THE NEW POLICE FORCE AND FOR METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION.