The discussion of the place of the police service in the broader governmental setting describes the environment and the historical development of American policing. This is followed by consideration of important jurisdictional issues affecting police agencies. A review of the changing role of the police services and the importance of policy development as a guide focuses on the definition of police objectives and priorities, methods for goal achievement, and administrative procedures. The remainder of the presentation deals with the role of the police agency and the roles of the two key executives who most directly affect the delivery of police services: the principal government executive and the police chief. For the municipal administrator, the critical issues discussed are the selection of a new chief of police, management relationships between the government executive and the police chief, and the political issues affecting this relationship. The section on the police chief touches on issues broader than those associated with functional coordination, as policy development and implementation are examined. Eight footnotes are listed.