What we do: What is a Law Enforcement Council?

Simply stated, a law enforcement council coordinates a collaborative partnership of police agencies in a region that share knowledge, resources and personnel for the benefit of public safety.

There are over 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States. Approximately 85% have less than 24 sworn police officers. Agencies must efficiently manage the resources they have to provide public safety services in their communities, and most often provide patrol, 911 response, and criminal investigations. The ability to provide specialized services, such as electronic media assistance , search & rescue, and school safety may be limited. NEMLEC partnerships make many additional services available. By coordinating the sharing of police personnel, NEMLEC offers member police departments access to added resources on a moment’s notice. This allows one agency, if they request aid, to increase its resources temporarily in response to an emergency or large event. NEMLEC’s member agencies are committed to sharing assets and ensuring that communities are prepared for unplanned special occurrences.

1. What is a law enforcement council?

A law enforcement council is a collaborative partnership of police agencies in a region that coordinate and share knowledge, resources, and personnel to enhance public safety.

2. Why is resource sharing important for law enforcement agencies?

With over 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the U.S., and about 85% having fewer than 24 sworn officers, many departments have limited resources. Resource sharing allows agencies to provide specialized services like search & rescue, school safety, and electronic media assistance that they might not have access to otherwise.

3. What services does NEMLEC provide to its member agencies?

NEMLEC facilitates the sharing of personnel and resources, enabling police departments to request additional officers and specialized units during emergencies, large events, or special occurrences. This ensures communities have adequate support when needed.

4. How does NEMLEC coordinate mutual aid between agencies?

NEMLEC follows Massachusetts General Laws to facilitate mutual aid. When officers respond to assist another department, they operate under the direct control of the local police chief, ensuring seamless integration and command structure adherence.

The Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) is a consortium of police departments across Middlesex and Essex Counties, along with two County Sheriff’s Departments. It operates by coordinating the sharing of resources, personnel, and expertise among member agencies to enhance public safety. With over 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the U.S., most having fewer than 24 sworn officers, many departments face resource limitations. NEMLEC addresses this challenge by enabling agencies to request additional officers and specialized services, such as search & rescue, school safety, and electronic media assistance. This ensures that communities have access to critical resources in emergencies or large-scale events. NEMLEC’s mutual aid system is guided by Massachusetts General Laws and ensures that responding officers operate under the command of the requesting department’s local police chief. By fostering collaboration and preparedness, NEMLEC strengthens law enforcement capabilities and enhances community safety across its jurisdiction.