The study followed 125 police recruits through their 2-year training; this included interviews and sociometric testing at regular intervals. Findings were augmented by interviews with instructors and officers responsible for recruitment and training, with the constables supervising trainees in their first postings, and with experienced constables. Observations of training sessions provided information on instruction techniques. A review of the concept of socialization highlights distinctive features of socialization into the police force. An examination of recruits' initial motivation for joining the force reveals an idealization of police work as social service. The increasing sense among recruits that their career choice has significant consequences for their self-identity is demonstrated. Following a profile of police training, the study discusses recruits' experiences of local (training establishment) and regional (district training center) input as the basis of the recruits' recognition of a disjunction between formal and informal police practices and culture. This disjunction is sustained by experience in their first field postings. The study documents the changes recruits undergo as they adjust to and cope with the realities of police work. Aspects of police attitudes considered are ambition, conflicting loyalties, perspectives on female officers, police rights as employees, and the discipline system. A discussion of the development of police professional competence draws conclusions and recommendations on reforms in police training. Appended supplementary material, a 130-item bibliography, subject index.