An assessment of policing must include two components, basic research and continuing evaluation. Basic research provides a better understanding of the structure and internal relationships within police organizations and the interactions between police and society. This concern with final results can assist policy makers to choose a set of policing strategies. Continuing evaluation is made within a framework of assumptions that defines good police practice and accounts for public acceptance of policing methods and the need for police management to increase its control. For example, the definition of good practice for area beat officers includes being a front-line police resource, building a knowledge of local residents, taking a long-term approach to law enforcement, and investigating and preventing crime. In terms of the policing of domestic disputes, a good practice statement covers dealing with violence and the underlying problem, using sanctions, dealing with continuing disputes, and making referrals. The good practice model does have several inherent difficulties in that it requires consensus and requires different statements to cover the range and diversity of policing. Adequate and appropriate good practice statements must be developed with the help of police managers and public opinion. 8 references. (Publisher abstract modified)