The author discusses the underlying philosophy, governing schools of thought, and the strengths and weaknesses of community policing. He also explains important policing concepts such as Police Syndrome, Tracking Participation Footprint, and Image Dating/Image Mapping. Four case studies from Madhya Pradesh (India) and Timor-Leste help in further elucidating the practical applicability of these concepts.

The author negotiates with the idea of allowing civilian participation to become a legitimate means of making the police accountable. He argues that compliance of law must go hand in hand with protecting the fundamental rights of people in order to preserve a liberal democratic society.