What is the minimum population size a municipality must have to establish its own police department?

A municipality must have a minimum population size of 5,000 to establish its own police department. This requirement is rooted in regulation aimed at ensuring that a community is large enough to warrant the establishment of a dedicated police force. The reasoning behind this population threshold includes considerations of resource allocation, funding, and the overall demand for policing services. Smaller municipalities might not have the necessary infrastructure or budget to support a full-time police department, making it more practical for them to rely on county or state law enforcement agencies. Consequently, the requirement helps maintain efficient law enforcement operations tailored to the community's needs and size.