The Gulf States are what many comparativists call traditional societies and as such have a number of unique features (Lerner, 1964). Yet these countries experience the forces of modernization, including economic growth, increases in population, a rise in crime and educational attainment, technology, and the presence of foreigners. In fact, according to Norton (1993; 216), "the best opportunity to create a vibrant civil society may come in those states widely viewed as 'traditional' or 'backward.' In cases where the state has not erected elaborate mechanisms for control and intimidation, nor fostered an enormous bureaucracy or a big state elite, political development may follow different paths." The Gulf crisis and war of 1990, hereafter referred to as the Gulf Conflict, left in its wake the potential for major western style democratic reforms, many of which can effect policing. Although a number of books (e.g., Graz, 1992) and articles (e.g., Khalidi, 1991) have examined, in whole or in part, the general impact of the Conflict, this chapter specifically explores how the municipal police in three dominant Gulf countries -- namely, the former Republic of Yemen, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia -- were affected by the Conflict. In particular, it analyzes the change process itself and how the police responded to calls for reform. In order to achieve this objective, the chapter briefly reviews the legal structures, history, organization, challenges, and changes that have been implemented in the municipal police forces of the three countries before, during, and since the Conflict