Public opinion polls in England place the police service at the top of the list of organizations in which citizens have the most confidence. On the other hand, the police service is being subjected to criticism that focuses on public complaints against the police, accountability, the use of technology, and the policing of inner cities and racially sensitive areas. Police officers are being scrutinized more critically than ever before by politicians, the press, pressure groups, the general public, and by the police themselves. The balance between public acceptance of the police and law enforcement responsibilities is examined. Provisions of England's Police and Criminal Evidence Act of 1984 are described that attempt to achieve compatibility between community interests in bringing offenders to justice and the rights and liberties of suspected or accused persons and that cover police powers to stop, search, and detain suspects. 14 notes