A central thesis of the article is that police are the principal variable in the meaning of what constitutes law and social order. Police activities also determine the limits of freedom in organized society, an essential feature in determining the character of a government. In order for the police to maintain their value to the society they serve, they must adapt their methods and strategies. The security and order needs of the emerging 21st century global society call for more than changing methods. There must be fundamental changes in the development, training and management of police personnel. Officers will require a continuous training experience throughout their careers that will provide them with advanced analytical and problem-solving skills; systems thinking and understanding; interpersonal skills; and technical skills. Police executives must create systems and processes that support these activities and integrate them into the fabric of their daily operations. References