DATA FOR THIS STUDY WAS OBTAINED FROM THE QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES OF 52 AGENCY HEADS OF STATE AND PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS. INFORMATION IS PROVIDED ON SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATION AND COURT DECISIONS, FEDERALLY FUNDED PROJECTS, STATE/PROVINCIAL AID PROGRAMS, POLICE EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS, VEHICLE CODES, FIREARMS CONTROL LEGISLATION, AND EFFORTS TO CONTROL DRUG ABUSE, ALCOHOL ABUSE, AND ORGANIZED CRIME. DATA ON POLICE ADMINISTRATION, INCLUDING ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE. BUDGET INFORMATION, PERSONNEL, EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, AND SAFETY PROGRAMS IS ALSO PRESENTED. SUCH ASPECTS OF OPERATIONS AS INTERNAL AFFAIRS, EQUIPMENT, INSPECTION, CRIME LABORATORIES, AND SPECIALIZED UNITS ARE REPORTED AS WELL. FINALLY, DATA ON POLICE SERVICES AND POLICE RECRUITMENT, SELECTION, TRAINING, AND PROMOTION IS PROVIDED.