Community policing is presented not as a single concept, but rather many different approaches. However, the basis of these concepts is the fundamental principle that the establishment and maintenance of a positive relationship between the police and the community is a necessary and essential element of the policing function. A discussion of the source of constraints explores some topics in policing theory, especially the historical and administrative forces that shaped policing in the United Kingdom. Tasks unique to the police function derive from the relationship between the police and State in that the powers of police to arrest and regulate actions of people are premised on the essential capacity of police to use force to ensure compliance and that the force is nonnegotiable. This limits what can be achieved in community policing initiatives. From a psychological perspective, these constraints present the police officer with serious conflicts and stresses. Examples of extreme constraints cited include working in a hostile environment as in West Belfast and attributional errors determining responses of the police to the public. Successful initiatives in community crime control extend beyond police function as in the successful Kirkholt Project. 13 notes