The executives interviewed were 11 chiefs of police, 4 retired chiefs, 4 city managers, 1 sheriff, and 3 law enforcement consultants. The respondents had a consensus view that police agencies achieve excellence by being reasonably successful in eight dimensions: fundamental policing, leadership, missions and goals, clear values, innovation, caring, staying close to the community, and organizational technologies. The respondents identified important adjuncts to excellence, including aggressive leadership, the right image, having a mission and goals, attention to details, meeting personnel needs, constant innovation, and responsiveness to community needs. 12 footnotes, 10-item bibliography. (Author abstract modified)