An overview of office automation (OA) addresses the objective of OA, a technical perspective, a description of OA users, and constraints and other issues. A projection of the office of tomorrow considers new technologies and trends. The proposed model for the acquisition and implementation of OA in law enforcement is designed to provide the police manager with a reference for establishing an OA program based on needs and problem assessments and the identification of automation's opportunities and benefits. Sections are included on planning for OA, costs, benefits and opportunities, organization, coordination and control, analyses of needs and requirements, and implementation. The model emphasizes collaborative, interdisciplinary staff work to identify new technologies and determine how they may relate to the needs of a particular police agency. Section references, 18-item bibliography. (Author summary modified)