The study examined law enforcement administrators' perceptions of community policing; how administrators have implemented the principles and strategies of COP in their agencies; and the skills administrators believe effective community police officers need. The questionnaire for the study asked respondents to indicate which of 10 principles of community policing their departments had implemented, and the strategies used for implementation. Respondents were also asked to indicate which of eight skills or traits they considered critical to the effectiveness of officers assigned to COP. The principle most widely held by administrators was the premise that line officers in COP have the authority and discretion to develop solutions to problems occurring in neighborhoods. The four principles least likely to have been implemented involved internal changes within the agency. Agencies that successfully implemented COP offered three guidelines or suggestions for change: it must be a departmentwide effort, involving everyone ensures ownership and commitment to the philosophy, and the process takes time and a great amount of work. Tables, notes