The history of police unions is summarized, and the relationship of group dynamics within law enforcement agencies to the individual officer's attitude toward unionization and collective bargaining is discussed. The advantages of union affiliation and collective bargaining for law enforcement officers are weighed, and information is provided on the Fraternal Order of Police, the largest growing police union, and the International Conference on Police Associations, a loose confederation of independent police organizations. State legislation that has enabled law enforcement officers to engage in collective bargaining with their employers is examined. Summaries of each State's basic regulations on labor negotiations are presented in outline form, covering unit determination, impasse resolution, strike provisions, grievance procedures, scope of bargaining, controlling body, and special features relative to individual State laws. Step-by-step procedures are delineated for the preparation for negotiations, the preparation of demands, contract negotiations, and grievance handling. Approaches are explained for negotiating economic and noneconomic issues, productivity issues, and retroactive economic issues. Suggestions are also made for preparing disciplinary appeals and resolving contract-related and work-related disputes. The Police Officer's Bill of Rights legislation, passed in Florida and Maryland, which details the rights and protection of law enforcement officers accused of infraction of policy, is also discussed. Appendixes present sample contract clauses, an outline of the Bill of Rights statutes, and an article on the New Orleans police strike of 1979. (Author abstract modified)