The current fiscal crisis in California, and that to come, raises serious concerns for the delivery of services by California law enforcement agencies. As law enforcement executives and managers begin to look for ways to be smarter with restrictive budgets, State legislators continue to pass training mandates without regard for law enforcement's fiscal predicament. Law enforcement budgets could obtain significant relief by requiring that police officers be responsible for funding all costs associated with mandated training. Further, politicians must be influenced to minimize the number of mandated training requirements placed on peace officers, and they should assist officers by ensuring tax credits or deductions for those who pay for their own training. Less costly alternative training methods may also be developed. This paper suggests a statewide transition to a system in which officers pay for their mandated training. A transition plan focuses on management tasks in relation to State legislators, the public, and peace officers associations. A transition process time line is outlined. 13 notes