There has been little agreement, however, concerning either a comprehensive definition of human services or the professions and occupations which constitute their activities. The police are analyzed to determine the degree of their adherence to human services ideology which is defined to include systemic integration, comprehensiveness and accessibility, problems in living, generic helping characteristics, and accountability. To the extent that these themes are supported, the police may be properly regarded as a human services agency. Implications of this conclusion for both the police and for human services policy planners are considered. (Author abstract)