The book opens with a discussion of the theory and methodology of cross-national analysis, assessing its value and the possible pitfalls involved. The second part of the book is a review of the main police systems operating in the world covering Anglo-American and European police systems, the changing situation in post-communist societies, post-colonial policing systems and policing in Japan and East Asia. The final part of the book offers a consideration of the major contemporary issues confronting police management and political systems, not just at local or national levels, but worldwide.