The text seeks to help students develop a better understanding of policing as one of the most difficult, demanding, and stressful forms of 'people work' in modern society. The first part of the four-part text discusses the nature of social life and the need for order, the evolution of the police function, modern patrol functions, specialized activities, and supporting services such as communications and criminalistics. The next part surveys the many influences that shape law enforcement. It puts the police at the beginning of the flow of cases into the criminal justice system, places the police in relationships with systems closely associated with social control, and locates the police within the governmental systems. Next, attention focuses on a definition of law enforcement in terms of purposes, the limitations placed on the police to ensure the protection of individual liberties, and police discretion. Finally, the personal or 'human' dimension of policing is presented, especially its social and psychological stresses and their effects on the officer's work, health, and family. The text concludes with a discussion of the professionalization of the police, with special attention to the controversy over the relationship of higher education to law enforcement. Chapters provide notes and bibliographies. Photographs and an index are included. (Author abstract modified)