The Police: Current Practices and Future Possibilities introduces readers to the history, structure, and methodologies of policing in the United States. It explores the evolution of the U.S. police force from its genesis to current paradigms shaped by modern-day challenges such as homeland security and international policing imperatives.

The book offers insight into the organizational and structural framework of police systems, key functions, community policing innovations, police management, collaborative policing, issues in police operations, and strategies for law enforcement management. Discussions pivot around proactive and reactive policing approaches, the interplay between the police and community, and the broad objectives pursued through evolving policing models and tactics.

The Police is ideal for courses and programs in criminal justice, law enforcement, policing, and public administration. The book equips readers with a deeper appreciation of the complex nature of policing and enables a critical examination of current practices against a backdrop of historical progression and potential future directions for the police force.