Organizational development is a theory of how to manage change through long-range planning that focuses on the organizational culture and the activities that occur within it. It has its roots in open system theory which states that systems continuously interact with and transform their environment, with the ultimate goal of insuring the systems's survival. The second major tenet, McGregor's theory Y, promotes the notion that the interest of the organization and of the individual can be mutually enhancing. Under theory Y assumptions, the goal of management is to support subordinates by giving them the resources needed to complete their tasks, participate in decisionmaking, mature on the job, and move toward self-actualization. As a consequence of the hierarchical organizational structure, the police subculture, and the stressful nature of policing, police departments can be aided by the work of the organizational consultant. A 14-point program, which evolved within the Palo Alto Police Department (California), provides personnel with counseling, referral services, and training in team-building, problemsolving, communication, and conflict resolution skills. Broad utilization of these services throughout the department is a continuing indicator of the program's success. 10 references.