Various conceptions of administrative responsibility are examined with emphasis on the relationship between police power and democratic theory. The effects of legal prescription and proscription of police administrative responsibility are discussed. The common law and statutory position of the police are outlined and contrasted with the social expectations about the police role. The effects of organizatinal principles on work are described, and proposals are made for reorienting the current police organization. The key to ensuring administrative responsibility in the police remains essentially a political problem. Because of the social and governmental role of the police, the ability to maintain administrative responsibility is a test of the political capacity of democratic society. As in all govermental institutions, the police department's relationship with the larger political system and with the public has to be the focus of responsibility in executing discretionary coercive power. The municipal chief executive, the police commissioners, the director of public safety, and the chief of police must work together to develop the broad outlines of police policy with due regard for the legal setting, public sentiment, council approval, departmental capabilities and professional competence. Tables are included. Approximately 300 references are appended.