The research identified major trends and events that will affect the issue in the future and developed alternative scenarios for the Sacramento (Calif.) Police Department. A strategic plan and transition management plan were developed based on the selected scenario. Results indicated that decentralization will be the crucial element in the impact of community policing on the investigative function. The police detective, along with the patrol officer, will become part of the community and will be responsible for investigating all crimes in a geographical area. The police investigator will be easily accessible and will serve as a central information point for both the community and the patrol officers. Figures, appended additional results, notes, and 20 references