Quality circles, as defined by the National Society of Quality Circles, are "small groups of employees who meet regularly to solve problems and find ways of improving aspects of their work." Aims of the quality circle program are to generate increased employee involvement in organizational problemsolving, to stimulate the development of individual workers, and to promote practical benefits to the organization and individual workers by the solution of job related problems. Quality circle programs can be developed to provide an integrated system of participatory management whose component parts include a steering committee, a facilitator, circle leaders, and circle members. Some potential benefits of quality circles are improved work quality, improved communication between workers and management, improved worker morale, and the development of team building skills. Given the degree of sustained commitment required from senior management and other problems associated with the implementation of quality circles, the introduction of quality circles is a high-risk management option for the senior British police manager. 31 footnotes, 30-item bibliography, and appended outline of problemsolving techniques used in quality circles.