In "Hidden Prey," John Sandford critiques the evolving nature of police work, suggesting that officers have started to adopt an FBI mentality. This shift includes building barriers, both physical and social, that separate law enforcement from the communities they serve. As they increasingly confine themselves in patrol cars and distance themselves from direct public interaction, their role shifts from community guardians to a more militarized presence.

Sandford argues that this transformation leads to a perception of police as a paramilitary force rather than peace officers dedicated to serving and protecting the public. The evolution of policing, according to the author, undermines the essential relationship between law enforcement and community members, raising concerns about the implications for social order and public trust.