In a relatively short period, a new police system was formed in Scotland to replace a system which was no longer adequate for changed social and economic conditions. This occurred in the context of the state's increasing encroachment on more and more areas of social and political life, especially through the criminal law and the criminal justice system generally. The development of the police was one of many ways in which the State sought to maintain order and enforce norms while establishing its own legitimacy. Since 1945, the number of separate police forces in Scotland has been considerably reduced. The reorganization of Scottish local government in May 1975 reduced the number of forces to the present eight. Each force has the same basic internal structure and organization. It is commanded by a chief constable who has from one to seven assistant chief constables, one of whom will also be deputy chief constable. Aspects of policing discussed are detective branches and preemptive policing, special patrol groups and the special constabulary, the Special Branch, technology and policing, control of the police, complaints against the Police, and politics and policing. Police emergency planning is also considered. Of particular concern is the near absence of accountability and public control of the police. A description of the criminal process in Scotland is appended. The bibliography contains about 60 listings.