To assess the impact of police unionism on the operation and administration of police departments, in-depth field surveys of active police unions were conducted in the summer and fall of 1971 in 22 cities where police unions were active. In the summary report the development of police unions is discussed, and the sources and dimensions of union power are outlined. The report examines the impact of police unionism on labor relations, police professionalism, the authority of the chief, and the formulation of law enforcement policy. The growth of black officers' organizations, in both complementary and adversary relationships with existing police unions, is also explored. The study stresses the indirect impact of police unions on such areas as departmental policy-making, citing "the extent to which the police and other chief officials have failed to take action because of anticipated reactions from the union." The report concludes that, in the formulation of law enforcement policy, "the union, regardless of motivation, was essentially a conservative, reactionary force." Appended to the document is a six-page bibliography. (Author/BP)