The opening chapter traces the development of the British police service and then describes the existing internal organization of a police force, along with police regulations and conditions of service, the police discipline code, police communications and publications, the Police Federation and negotiating machinery, and an introduction to beat patrol duties. The text then explains the nature of common law and statute law and court procedures, with attention given to statutory police powers and limitations, as well as rules of evidence and court testimony. Rules for writing reports and statements, the care and custody of prisoners, and the handling of missing and destitute persons are also considered. A separate chapter is devoted to the details of traffic law, followed by a chapter dealing with police duties with respect to children and youth, places of entertainment, gambling, drugs, sexual offenses, vandalism, animals, fires, and crashed and distressed aircraft. Other chapters focus on specific 'street' crimes, their nature, and how police are to handle them. The law and police powers regarding domestic disputes, homicide, abortion, and sudden death are included. A subject index is provided.