The 1970's have seen some sharp differences between public policy and citizen perspectives which have produced large and sometimes violent public demonstrations, particularly those opposing government support for the Vietnam war and those opposing the F19 freeway and the Newport power station projects. Other socioeconomic issues have also produced threats to public order, notably rising unemployment and industrial unrest. Victoria has also experienced the emergence of a major narcotics problem and a general increase in the use of violence in the commission of criminal offenses. Road deaths have also increased significantly. In combating threats to public order posed by sharp differences in public opinion, the police have sought to deal with law violations within public demonstrations without suppressing the right of assembly and speech which characterizes democratic society. This same strategy has been pursued in situations of industrial unrest and labor protests. Focal points of increasing crime and threats to public order require that the police become more highly specialized in dealing with these problem areas. It can be expected that the 1980's will challenge the police to deal with a variety of forms of social change and criminal enterprises which will require further police specialization of knowledge, skill, and strategy. The police must also be willing to subject their own activities to public scrutiny, which may involve police acceptance of independent boards to hear citizen complaints against the police. Thirteen footnotes and 11 bibliographic listings are provided.