The film covers law enforcement in the 13 colonies including the variation in State laws and the establishment of a law enforcement force (the night watch) composed of civilians, the military, and volunteers. In addition, the film reviews the development of the prison system, the adoption by 17 States of the Code of Penal Law, and the rise of the Pinkerton Detective Agency in the 1800's. Other events cited in the film include the passage of 1883 legislation which established the civil service system, the operation of professional agencies such as the American Bar Association and the FBI, and the rise of organized crime during the Prohibition Era of the 1920's. The film also depicts such 1960 events as the Knapp Commission's findings of corruption in New York City police officers and the ABA's issuance of standards on the judges' role in court. The film notes that from 1960-68, crime doubled, 10 arrests occurred for every 100 serious crimes, and 4 out of 5 cases were plea bargained. Although the rights of criminal defendants were protected (Miranda, Griffin v. Illinois, Gideon v. Wainwright), the community remained unsafe and justice slow.