Within the last decade the law enforcement profession has tried to develop and implement recognized standards. Corruption has been a problem of varying degrees among police officers form the beginning of policing. Affirmative action and equal employment opportunity programs for minorities and women have been designed to increase police effectiveness. Issues related to police health include job stress, alcoholism, drug abuse, and suicide. Police use of deadly force is a source of divided opinion. Several innovative programs have sought to address violent crime. Police and private police are increasingly examining their respective and interactive roles. Three technological innovations that have particularly aided law enforcement are computer-aided dispatch, fingerprint automation, and police use of laptop computers. Finally, numerous current efforts involve police and citizen efforts and collaboration to prevent crime. Figures, photographs, discussion and review questions, notes, case citation, and 37 references