A literature search, a survey of selected law enforcement agencies, and interviews with experts on management were conducted to identify and analyze future trends and events impacting on management development in the future. Based on this data, three scenarios exploratory, hypothetical, and normative were developed in which a desired and attainable situation of management development is stressed, and positive results are emphasized. Using the normative scenario, a strategic management plan was developed for Los Buelos Police Department, a pseudoname for a California city. An analysis of the internal and external environment of the police department and the community are presented as well as a plan for implementing policies and strategies with a mission statement. The optimal policies and strategies for managing the transition from management development by accident to programmed management development is reviewed; a plan for implementation technologies including responsibility charting, instilling the vision, and sharing information is proposed. Conclusions are recommendations for action are provided together with answers to the issues, type of systems, kinds of programs, learning strategies, the role of POST, and future research directions. 20 figures and 36 endnotes