Future staffing needs are analyzed in terms of the current 5,000 law enforcement job openings; the shortage of qualified candidates; the decreasing population of teenagers; and longer life expectancies. By the year 2002, almost half of the work force will be aged 35 to 54. Using the Santa Clara Police Department as a model, a committee developed a list of 14 alternative courses of action that could be used to help police departments meet staffing requirements by the year 2002. It is hypothesized that these alternatives will enable departments to use a middle-aged work force and to meet future staffing requirements. They include (1) restructuring the department to allow many tasks to be performed by civilians, (2) offering leaves of absence to senior officers, (3) recruiting second career people, (4) giving senior officers the first option in selection of work assignments, (5) offering flexible staffing, such as part time employment, job sharing, and flexible hours. A 5-year strategic and implementation plan was recommended to bring about the program. Tabular data, charts, and 145 references. (Author summary modified)