Esteemed authors Samuel Walker and Carol Archbold synthesizes the major developments in the area of police accountability and argues that these developments represent a new period in the history of police reform that promises to address the historic problems of police abuse. This text assesses both the achievements and limitations of police accountability and reshapes the conventional wisdom on this topic.

New to this edition are important developments in law enforcement:

" Continuing national interest in the issue of racial/ethnic profiling, immigration, and police reform.

" The Justice Department investigation of and 2012 consent decree with the New Orleans Police Department.

" Police department or mayoral initiated reform proposals in Cincinnati, Seattle, and New Orleans.

" New media technology as a form of accountability.

" Revival of Special Litigation Section Under Attorney General Eric Holder.

" The role of the federal government regarding police accountability.

" The DOJ's use of Title VI.

" The financial crisis of the city and its inability to pay for reforms.

" The impact of the national financial crisis on local governments.

" Developments related to police legal advisors and risk management programs