The new role in American policing in the post-September 11, 2001, environment was brought about in response to these specific events, as well as by the many political, economic, and social factors in the United States, such as the creation of the Department of homeland security, spending by State governments in the area of homeland security, and increased public concern regarding terrorism. Through a discussion of three previous eras of policing (Political Era, Reform Era, and Community Era), this article provides an understanding of the new era and direction of policing under homeland security. The function of police under homeland security is marked by a more focused concentration of its resources into crime control. Through crime control, many potential threats can be exposed and intelligence gathered. In addition, prior to homeland security policing there were currently four models of policing that included: traditional policing, community policing, problem-oriented policing, and zero-tolerance policing. The focus of policing under homeland security has incorporated the concepts of security and both anti-terrorism and counterterrorism into its primary focus. Recognizing that homeland security is a very different model of policing, it must also be recognized that problems will arise out of the implementation of this model. References