Under Hungary's totalitarian system, the majority of Hungarians detested the police because of their violations of basic European democratic values, their use of excessive force, and their lack of training in policing skills. At the same time, however, citizens felt secure in a society where the police were determined to suppress all criminal acts and were largely successful. In the transition to a democratic state, the police must function in the midst of chaotic economic and social change that has brought increased crime to the country and a sense of insecurity and fear among the populace. Some positive developments are the effort to specify the police role within a democratic framework by separating the police agency from the state's political interests. A modernization program is aiming toward increased staffing levels and the upgrading of police technology. Police research currently underway is briefly described, and recommendations for future police sociological research are offered.