This comparative text serves both as an introduction to contemporary police studies and an intervention into current debates concerning police reform and practice.

Chapter 1 What is Policing?; Chapter 2 Keeping People in Their Place; Chapter 3 Keeping Dissent in Its Place; Chapter 4 Thought, Talk and Action; Chapter 5 Abusing Authority; Chapter 6 Controlling Police Officers; Chapter 7 Controlling Police Organizations; Chapter 8 Reform and change;