Praised for its scholarship, this book uses the "Balance of Forces" metaphor to examine three primary correlates of police practicepolice organizations, officers and communities. Written in a conversational tone, it offers extensive coverage of police history, the current structure of the police industry, and critical police functions. With enhanced visuals and extensive references, this book helps readers develop an appreciation for the "big picture" and strives to integrate the broad research on policing into one coherent perspective.Balance of forces themeprovides a strong conceptual framework for examining the police and their practices. Research-based perspective includes thorough references and empirical researchthroughout the text. Conversational tone presents complex ideas in clear, straightforward language.Anyone interested in policing in America.