What is the role of the police in capitalism?

[Black Dagger]

Could someone please point me to essays, books etc. (preferably online content, but anything is good) discussing the historic-contemporary role of the police, their relationship to the state, capitalism, and the role that they play in maintaining both of these structures?

Doesn't matter if it's highly theoretical kind of anaylsis or not, i just want to accumulate as much info on the subject as possible.

Thanks

[Black Dagger]

First thing ive found, Why Fuck the Police (see also, how to fuck the police, http://www.crimethinc.com/police/how.html):

http://www.crimethinc.com/police/index.html

Also some bits and pieces from the Black Panther Party reader i'll post up when i get it scanned on to a PC.

Will update as soon as i find more stuff!