The implementation of federally funded multijurisdictional drug task forces: organizational structure and interagency relationships

Abstract Recent years have witnessed significant growth in the number of federally funded multijurisdictional drug task forces. Indeed, over 800 such task forces are now operating in the United States. The task forces represent an explicit attempt to build interagency relationships among law enforcement organizations. As such, they provide an opportunity to study interorganizational relationships in criminal justice. This article is based on an evaluation of two drug task forces, and it examines the perceived extent of the implementation of the task forces and their success in establishing interagency relationships. The findings suggest that while the task forces may lead to improved communication and coordination among law enforcement agencies, the organizational structure of the task force is a key element in implementation. Specifically, task force structures that promote the participation of key actors and the perception of mutual benefit lead to more effective interagency relationships and more effective implementation.