A strong challenge against the present American system of law enforcement, this book contends that politics have prevented police from achieving their sworn mission. Although his analysis is based on established theory, the author uses his own research and experience as evidence of the failure of the criminal justice system. Police departments are revealed as examples of a bureaucracy that has lost sight of its purpose and only seeks to survive. This work will be of interest to those seeking a different and controversial view of criminal justice, police science, public administration, urban studies, and political science programs.