The German Police were an essential arm of the Nazi regime; as soon as Hitler achieved power the previous decentralized provincial system was unified into a single state apparatus, integrated at the command levels with the SS. While it may have been centrally controlled, it was still separated into a bewildering range of different departments and functions, many with their own uniform distinctions. This book offers a concise introduction to the organization, responsibilities, uniforms and insignia of the various branches of this machinery of repression, from Police generals to rural constables, transport policemen and factory watchmen.

Introduction · Ordnungspolizei: Schutzpolizei (National & Municipal Police) - Gendarmerie (Rural Police) - Traffic Police - Administrative Police - Colonial Police - Water Protection Police - Fire Protection Police - Air Defence Police - Technical Emergency Service. · Sonderpolizei (Special Police): Railway Police - Postal Police - Broadcasting Police - Mines Police - Dams Police - Police Auxiliaries. · Sicherheitspolizei (Security Police) - Border Police - Customs Police - Criminal Police

Gordon Williamson was born in 1951 and currently works for the Scottish Land Register. He spent seven years with the Military Police TA and has published a number of books and articles on the decorations of the Third Reich and their recipients. He is the author of a number of World War II titles for Osprey. He lives in Edinburgh.
Gerry Embleton has been a leading illustrator and researcher of historical costume since the 1970s, and has illustrated and written Osprey titles on a wide range of subjects over more than 20 years. He is an internationally respected authority on 15th and 18th century costumes in particular. He lives in Switzerland, where since 1988 he has also become well known for designing and creating life-size historical figures for museums.