Early studies of police occupational culture were based on sociological foundations that analyzed social relationships and their intended and unintended consequences. Key early studies of policing used humanistic, participatory methods and were informed by a concern to develop theory and examine the mundane, daily aspects of police work. This tradition of sociological research is in danger of being subverted by contemporary research that focuses on policy issues. Under current emphases, theoretical questions and the long-term work of consolidating research findings will be second to the primary task of analyzing contemporary policies with a view toward the pragmatic relevance of research results. This change in research emphasis will not only diminish the comprehensiveness and content of police research but will ultimately detract from the development of sound policy and practice. 60 references.