A current impediment to policing effectiveness is the identity crisis faced by many police officers. The advent of community policing and doubts about traditional policing methods have caused some confusion and disenchantment among police officers. Many are opposed to new trends, and available economic resources dictate what policing reforms can be implemented and what compensation and benefits can be offered to police officers. To help resolve the identity crisis, the police should aim to establish a conduct elitism that sets them in a unique class within society. The police should be open to public scrutiny, even with regard to their private behavior and personal assets. Units should be established within police departments to actively develop and promote policing excellence and professional behavior. Because traditional policing methods are not having the desired effect on crime control, new alternatives should be tried. With their training, exposure, and experience, police officers are in a unique position to assume a leadership role in the community, and changing the face of policing is inextricably linked with leadership. 7 references