Introduction. The article is an attempt to show that apart from the regular functions of the police, such as the preventive function and the repressive function, a new function – an educational one - is dynamically developing. Social, and political, changes in Poland after 1989, resulted in a revision of the police formation, the key elements of which were the changes in the image of the police officer in the social perception, and the expectations that the police would redefine its mission in the spirit of Community Policing, to be involved in proactive activities in the local environment. The article describes the legal basis for the development of the educational activity of police officers, and it also reveals the organizational and mental obstacles that hinder this activity. Recommendations for practice are presented in the final part of the study, and they may provide guidelines on how to effectively shape the pedagogical culture of police officers. Aim. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the new development of the educational function of the police. Method. As part of the work on the text, an analytical and synthetic method was used. The current legal acts were analysed with regard to the potential of the police to carry out an educational function. Results. The article shows that the educational and preventive work of police officers requires further education of officers in the field of pedagogical competence. The article points out the deficits in this area, and develops postulates for practice.