This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. Describes trends from 1990 to 2000 among local police dept¿s. serving U.S. cities with 250,000 or more residents. Comparisons are made in terms of number of sworn and civilian personnel, female and minority representation, officer salaries, officer training and educ. requirements, budgets, crime rates, computers and info. systems, types of equip., and types of special units. Highlights: The number of residents served increased by 10%, resulting in a 7% increase in the no. of full-time sworn personnel. The number of UCR violent crimes decreased 34%, and the number of full-time local police officers increased 17%. The representation of Hispanics among officers increased from 9% to 14%, blacks from 18% to 20%, and women from 12% to 16%.