If law enforcement expects the same status as doctors, lawyers, and teachers, then a college degree is a necessity. Sociological studies, however, place police officers way down on the list of professions. The image of professionalism must start at the top. When police administrators lack professional attitudes, it is reflected all the way down to street officers. The adoption of a national professional code of ethics for police officers is needed, along with adequate inservice training. The influence of government politics on law enforcement is discussed.