The future relationship between law enforcement K-9 programs and vicarious liability issues, financial stability of local, State and Federal entities and organized crime as it relates to drug trafficking and terrorism are examined. It is hypothesized that standards of performance for police dogs must be developed by and for the law enforcement community before special interest groups apply their political influence to restrict or eliminate the use of the police dog. The paper discusses the traditional uses of police dog units in high crime areas for routine patrol and hazardous search situations, and analyzes the impact of technology on K-9 programs and how the K-9 programs can best serve the criminal justice system and community into the year 2000. Based on trend analysis, the author posits that with the increase use, sale and transportation of narcotics and dangerous drugs, increased risk of liability, acts of terrorism, and the reduction of police budgets, the police dog will continue to be a valuable asset to the law enforcement community. The literature provides a framework from which the law enforcement community can develop training and performance standards to ensure the success of present and future police K-9 programs. Appendixes and tabular data.