AN OVERVIEW OF THE CURRENT ROLE OF BRITISH POLICE IS FIRST PRESENTED. WHILE THE AUTHOR FINDS SOME PROBLEMS IN THE CURRENT POLICE OPERATIONS, HE NOTES THAT THE POLICE FACE A NUMBER OF MAJOR OBSTACLES, INCLUDING A BREAKDOWN IN THE CONSENSUS OF SOCIETY, INCREASED PROTEST AND VIOLENCE, INCREASED CRIME RATES, AND A GROWING NUMBER OF UNENFORCEABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS. THE AUTHOR THEN SUGGESTS WAYS IN WHICH THE BRITISH POLICE SHOULD DEVELOP IN ORDER TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS. HIS PROPOSALS INCLUDE A GREATER 'SOCIAL ROLE', THE APPLICATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO HALT THE RISING RATE OF CRIME, GREATER PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY, MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER SPECIALIZATION IN ORDER TO GAIN MORE POLICE RECRUITS, MORE POLICEWOMEN, AND INCREASED COOPERATION WITH THE POLICE OF OTHER COUNTRIES. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)...DMC