A description of the social, economic, and living conditions in Handsworth portrays the tensions and problems encountered by residents -- Asian, West Indian, and white -- living in an economically depressed area with a very high unemployment rate, particularly for young West Indians. Under the leadership of a new commander of the Handsworth police station, police-community relations improved through police-initiated communication with residents and increased police participation in community events, school functions, public education programs, and social service functions. Mutual trust developed as police officers and residents came to know each other as individuals. The commander's approach -- that police effectiveness depends primarily on the extent to which police can mobilize community support and active collaboration -- is based on community relations as being the essential ingredient of police work. The text relates the events leading up to the 1981 riots, which followed a successful police carnival peacefully enjoyed by community residents from varied ethnic backgrounds. Key issues facing Handsworth and other multiracial communities are explored and illustrated with police officers' personal experiences. Maps, data tables, footnotes, and 15 references are provided.