Five trends were identified in the course of research as being pertinent to forecasting the impact of optical disk technology: level of budget restrictions placed on law enforcement; level and speed of technological advances; changes in the management style of law enforcement managers; level of technological awareness in the law enforcement work force; and level of information networking, both within law enforcement and with other governmental agencies. Events that might impact the use of optical disk technology were then examined, including technology that makes optical disks obsolete, the establishment of optical disk standards, fiber optics development, the use of optical disks as the industry standard for data and image storage, and wholesale destruction of magnetic media. These trends and events were analyzed as part of developing scenarios and a strategic plan for implementing optical disk technology. It was determined that a smooth transition into optical disk technology will positively impact police department morale, possibly reducing stress-related illnesses; will help offset personnel shortages and increased workloads; and will help solve records storage and retrieval problems. Appendixes contain supplemental information on the research project. 62 references, 12 figures.