I've been reading a fictionalized series about the Roman Legions, called "Marius' Mules" by SJA Turney.
It finally struck me how the police can not only be self funding, but also contribute to other costs.
You know how they have these inter department softball, and football games ?
Have the riot squads go against each other,
it would be like Rugby only safer

Get sponsors to provide matching armor, start at the 40 yard line and beat the crap out of each other till one team pushes over the goal.
Need big teams to allow for some kind of tactics,
If it were promoted right it could be the next national sport.
Bets on your favorite riot squad ?
How about The Chicago Crashers, verses the Tampa Bay Tazers ?

Start up costs could come from the training budget since the tactics are the same, Shove, Stab, Stomp.
The only change is a stick instead of a Gladius.
I'd pay to watch that .
