Trends in the external context of policing include changing demographic characteristics, technological advances, and the shift from an industrial society to a technological and information-based society. Internal trends that will affect law enforcement include the specialization of services, the professionalization of law enforcement, issues of higher education, and issues of labor relations. The demands for police service will increase, along with demands for accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness. Meeting these demands will require police agencies to review their educational policies and promotional requirements. They should also explore the use of innovative and flexible recruiting programs, as well as affirmative action and equal opportunity plans. Law enforcement accreditation is also likely to become increasingly important in the next century. Police agencies will also need to change to become more participatory, more team-oriented, and less bureaucratic in style. Understanding and planning will also be needed to produce the needed changes. 56 references