A survey of 200 California police agencies not currently using VTD's indicates that the potential use of existing VTD technology is not widely understood by police managers. Lack of an identified need for the information available from these systems and their costs were identified as two major concerns. The results of this survey were incorporated with the results of a nominal group technique study, and three different scenarios forecasting possible future acceptance and use of VTD systems are presented. The best-case scenario incorporates VTD systems with other automated systems such as record management systems, computer-aided dispatch, automated crime analysis, and automated telecommunication systems. The potential for such an integrated computer system to provide both tactical assistance for the deployment and supervision of police resources on a day-by-day basis and in generating management reports for strategic planning purposes is discussed. The strategic and transition plans for the implementation of an integrated computer-VTD system in Pleasant Hill (Calif.) is detailed. Figures, 5 appendixes, and 21 endnotes. (Author abstract modified)