Blending the real and the ideal, this introduction to police work reflects the author's more than 30 years' experience as a police administrator and academic—providing a “real-world” flavor not found in most policing textbooks. Using an exceptionally reader-friendly and personally-involving style, the author speaks in an open, frank manner that attempts to place students inside the officer's uniform. Coverage is both comprehensive and timely, providing in-depth looks at topics such as patrol, terrorism, the police subculture, accountability, civil liability, extraordinary problems and practices, the rule of law, investigations, policing in selected foreign venues, and the future.