The book begins with an overview of the police as a major component of the criminal justice system. Factors that influence the current U.S. police role definition are discussed, with emphasis on the model that best seems to fit that role. In addition, the occupational culture of the police is described. The general nature of law and U.S. law's basic principles and their effects on the police role are reviewed, and this discussion is followed by an examination of police-community relations and ways to improve them. The role of the police in preventing and dealing with juvenile delinquency is also considered. Additional chapters discuss police organization and administration, productivity, working conditions, police policy, and police unions. Further chapters discuss political influences on law enforcement and police corruption. For each chapter, a list of chapter objectives, a summary, list of discussion topics, reference notes, and annotated bibliography are provided. Tables, figures, and an index are also included.