What are collective bargaining units that represent employees in a police department called?

The term that best describes collective bargaining units representing employees in a police department is "Police Unions."

Police unions play a crucial role in advocating for the rights, benefits, and working conditions of law enforcement personnel. They engage in negotiations with department management concerning wages, healthcare benefits, working hours, and other employment-related issues. The structure of unions allows police officers to present a unified front, enhancing their negotiating power compared to individual employees.

While "Police Associations" may refer to groups that provide support or networking opportunities for law enforcement professionals, they do not typically engage in collective bargaining. Similarly, "Law Enforcement Cooperatives" and "Police Coalitions" are not standard terms used to denote bargaining units in the context of police employment. These terms might refer to collaborative efforts on community safety or joint operations rather than the specific employment negotiations and rights represented by police unions. Thus, "Police Unions" is the most accurate descriptor for these collective bargaining units within police departments.