Data were obtained from questionnaire responses of 43 police forces and site visits. Three sets of perceptions of the CLO role were found: that the CLO was merely performing the tasks performed by every officer, that liaison work is a valid speciality, and that the CLO role is an important adjuct of successful police management. A total of 59 functions served by CLO's were identified. These fell into the general areas of public relations, explaining the police role to the public, providing information on the rights and duties of citizens, and providing a mechanism for two-way communication between the police and the public. Three modes of training for CLO's were identified: attachment to experienced liaison staff; learning by experience on the job; and specialized training courses on human relations, minority groups, and other issues. Finally, results indicated a number of problems in many CLO programs. The maintenance of internal and external credibility often posed a problem as did balancing integration with the community and with the police force. In addition, clarity of purpose and direction for CLO's was often absent at the policy level, and support of the CLO function was often lacking. 3 references.