Economic losses associated with workplace violence are significant, since many employees require time off from work for physical and psychological reasons or experience decreased productivity while on the job. The nominal group technique is employed to identify future trends and events that may affect the extent of workplace violence, including murder, and law enforcement's response. The study shows that factors affecting violence will continue to plague society, that the issue of workplace violence will continue to be important in managing police operations, and that media attention generated by workplace violence will continue to influence the public. Detailed information is provided on the development of a transmition management plan and associated management structure for use by small police departments in responding to workplace violence in the year 2004. Supplemental information on the futures study is appended. References, endnotes, tables, figures, and illustrations