Whether it is an informal arrangement between two individuals or a structured program sanctioned by the police organization, mentoring involves the provision of assistance by a mentor to a protege. Mentoring operates on the assumption that people relate more readily and positively to peer assistance than to supervisory direction. Mentors help proteges by filling such roles as teachers, guides, confidantes, role models, advisors, sponsors, promoters, and protectors. Mentors benefit from their relationships with proteges as well. Components of a successful mentoring program are identified that include selecting and training mentors, pairing participants, monitoring participants, and evaluating the mentoring program. 9 endnotes and 2 photographs