The future will see a reduction in the number of middle managers due to computerization that will permit executives to access information directly in a more timely and accurate fashion. Also, the increasing use of participative management will redefine the role of the traditional police middle manager. Three possible future scenarios for police middle management are portrayed. The first involves unrest in the ranks of middle managers as they experience reductions in middle management positions and redefinitions of their roles. The second scenario features computerization and artificial intelligence and how they will impact the middle manager. The third scenario, probably the most accurate of the three, portrays how middle managers will cope with the changes induced by a fast-paced, unstable social system and a more socially concerned, knowledgeable, and service-driven humanistic society. The projected middle manager profile for the year 2000 has more women in the role, a more sophisticated understanding of automation technology, a stronger generalist approach, decisionmaking based upon direct participation and better information, and greater orientation toward the personal needs of subordinates. Appended supplementary information, 36 footnotes, 68-item bibliography. (Author abstract modified)