This article describes the conflicting ideas on centralized and
decentralized system of police. The author traces the development
of both the Continental and the Anglo-Saxon models of police
back from the ancient history. He argues that there are no more
original model of both, but have been modified. Those States
implementing decentralized system, such as USA and England,
have actually adopted centralization scheme, while those
implemeting centralized system, such as Japan ad Sweden, have
embraced decentralization scheme. The author then offers a
recommendation on how to design a proper model for the
Indonesian police system, so it will not be contrary to the cultural
characteristics of the country and the Decree of the People
Consultative Assembly (Tap MPR) Number TLU' year 2000, which
has recently declared the implementation of national system of
the Indonesian Police.
