What may happen if a department fails to implement contingency plans during military leave?

When a department fails to implement contingency plans during military leave, criminal cases could be disrupted. This is particularly significant because the absence of key personnel, such as law enforcement officers, can lead to delays in investigations, court cases, and the overall processing of criminal matters.

Without a proper strategy to handle personnel shortages, critical tasks may remain unaddressed, which can lead to a backlog of cases, missed evidence, and insufficient support for ongoing investigations. As law enforcement agencies rely on the presence and coordination of their staff to effectively manage their responsibilities, any disruption in their operations can compromise public safety and the legal process. Thus, having contingency plans in place is essential to ensure that law enforcement duties continue without interruption, even when personnel are called away for military service.