After 1989 the state's role in maintaining law and order changed, as did the definition of internal threats to national security. In accordance with Poland's commitment to representative democratic governance, the complex and sinister system of internal security organizations that had been established to eliminate opposition to communist regimes gave way to an apolitical and professional police force. Like most other reforms of the transition period, practical changes came slowly because of resistance from incumbent officials.

Data as of October 1992

NOTE: The information regarding Poland on this page is re-published from The Library of Congress Country Studies and the CIA World Factbook. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Poland LAW AND ORDER information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Poland LAW AND ORDER should be addressed to the Library of Congress and the CIA.