The Polizei division first took shape in 1939, drawing manpower from the civilian police. In February 1942, the unit was transferred to the Waffen-SS and redesignated SS-Polizei-Division (4.SS). The former policemen appeared on the Western Front in 1940, before being shipped to the Leningrad sector in 1941. Polizei remained on the Eastern Front for the duration of the war, including deployments in Greece, the Banat (Romania), Hungary, and Pomerania, before finally surrendering just northwest of Berlin. The subject is examined through many personal recollections, hundreds of photos and maps from private collections, and period documents, including extracts from official bulletins and the division's war diary. A brief history of the Polizei II division is included as an appendix. AUTHOR: Massimiliano Afiero is a historical researcher on the Axis forces of the Second World War and for at least 30 years has contributed to numerous military history magazines, publishing hundreds of articles and about 30 books, with particular emphasis on Waffen-SS units. SELLING POINTS: . A new illustrated history of the 4th division of the Waffen-SS. Polizei was among the oldest SS divisions, but has received little attention from historians and authors, until now. . Includes the personal recollections of veterans, detailed maps, and hundreds of photographs from private collections . The Polizei division initially drew manpower from the civilian police. These former policeman were thrown into brutal combat on the Eastern Front under the SS banner 700 b/w photographs and maps