Several sub-issues are also addressed in the research, including how local control of incidents will be maintained, how law enforcement will use regionalization or consolidation, whether contracting or another form of collective effort will be used to deploy high-risk management, and how technology will affect high-risk incident tactics. A combination of literature searches, expert panels, a study and evaluation of trends and events, interviews, and personal experience led the researcher to focus on regionalization as a means to reach the desired future during the study period. This study consists of three sections: a futures study of methods for managing high-risk incidents, for medium-sized and small-sized law enforcement agencies by the year 2004, a model strategic plan that involves formation of a regional program for five police agencies in two counties, and a transition plan to make the desired change happen is offered. Ten significant trends and 10 projected events that would impact the issue are analyzed, and future states scenarios are proposed. The scenario that depicts a desired and attainable future for the issue is followed with policies, strategic models, and transition management plans that might be required. Follow-up research is recommended in nonlethal weapons and other facets of technology related to high-risk incident management. 29-item bibliography