There are three primary arguments against police participation in politics: that the police should be exclusively interested in laws and procedures of the criminal justice system, that participation in politics endangers police legitimacy, and that participation endangers the democratic process. However, there are several potential advantages to police participation related to improved public policy, enhanced public understanding, and better police ethics. These benefits would be realized by neutralizing the problem of the dispersed benefit, educating voters about public affairs, increasing competitiveness among candidates, widening the perspective of police associations, encouraging officers to reside in the city they police, developing skills that can be applied to police work, and dissipating officer cynicism. Countering the potential threat of police extortion could be achieved through journalistic diligence, an external police review board, and increased professional training. 4 notes