While a myriad of academic and professional research literature has aided law enforcement in the enhancement of its policies and practices, academic psychology has been accused of failing to address many of the issues important to law enforcement. Indeed, the author argues that many of the key questions about police practice fall within the field of psychology, such as questions concerning perception, thinking, discretion, attitudes, and behavior. Investigative decisionmaking remains an under-studied area where psychological research could make a critical contribution. The author suggests that exploratory and descriptive research approaches would make a good starting point for the development of investigative decisionmaking research. Next, the psychological study of deception is examined as an example of a subject that has garnered much psychological research attention, yet is an area that has fallen short of its promises. The forensic relevance and generalizability of research involving deception has recently called into question the value of such research to law enforcement. Finally, the author suggests a number of steps new researchers can take to ensure their research answers questions of importance to the law enforcement community. Suggestions include networking with individuals who work with the police and focusing on current police practices. Psychological research with law enforcement can be both academically fulfilling and offer necessary expertise to law enforcement. References