The author argues that political scientists, in their intent focus on the question of national unity, would be well-advised to study policing and its relationship to Federalism, accountability, and representation. Policing in Canada is also relevant to analyses of political culture, political socialization, and political stability, which are likely to preoccupy increasing amounts of attention on the part of political scientists. Because they operate independently and with a great deal of discretion, and because of their proximity to the communities they serve, police organizations constitute a determinative factor in establishing and affirming societal values. 64 notes