Bentley signed the order Tuesday, which makes state Homeland Security Director Spencer Collier the state's senior law enforcement adviser.
One of Collier's responsibilities will be to ensure the maximum number of state law enforcement officers are on the streets. The governor says consolidating administrative duties among departments is a way to accomplish that.
Bentley says his plan would consolidate some administrative functions such as purchasing, fleet maintenance and communications.
The governor's plans may conflict with legislation being introduced by GOP Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh. Marsh's proposal would consolidate and reorganize the state's numerous law enforcement functions into a new Public Safety Agency.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.