With recent developments in minicomputer technology, computer-aided dispatching is now within reach of most agencies. Such systems can aid in report preparation, reduce response time, increase productivity, facilitate data acquisition, and improve manpower resource allocations. Microprocessor-based command consoles can overcome conventional problems related to the massive groups of switch clusters of conventional consoles. In addition, satellite-based systems can provide a boon to law enforcement agencies with geographically diverse jurisdictions; mobile data terminal units can facilitate computer-aided dispatching, while also providing access to local and national criminal justice data bases. Electromagnetic spectrum utilization has the potential for overcoming problems associated with spectrum congestion and scarcity in the transmission of digital voice and data transmissions. Improvements in cryptographic algorithms should increase communications privacy and security. Finally, such specialized techniques as telephoto and fingerprint transmission, using cyacryonlate latent image processing and laser scanning, should become feasible in the near future.