Highly regarded for its authoritative coverage in four previous editions, this collection of articles written by experts and specialists examines the complex elements of policing within the broader social context. The thirty-one articles in the comprehensively revised fifth edition include six that are entirely new and five that have been updated. This timely anthology provides access to fundamental information about the evolution of policing and its current composition; the distinctive make up of policing and police organizations; public assumptions and perceptions of police; and the effects of current trends in training, community-oriented policing, and use of high-tech information systems. In-depth coverage offers readers a vivid and pragmatic understanding of the issues confronting law enforcement personnel, policy makers, and the public.