The SCSD has decentralized its operations and has adopted community-oriented policing as the core philosophy of the department to improve police services in local communities. The SCSD uses a variety of communication methods, but future impacts of technology on the department's ability to communicate internally are potentially overwhelming. If internal communications are to improve, technology must be applied in a way that gives employees information that is available at the right time and in the right form. A panel of experts used the nominal group technique to assess the issue of information technology. This panel examined trends and events that might affect technology and internal communications of the SCSD. Visits were scheduled at 80 different work sites to evaluate planned technology applications. Analysis of the need for improved internal communications and enhancements technology could provide demonstrated the importance of strategic planning and the development of a technology master