Futuristics: Have the concepts and techniques been implemented in selected policing agencies

Abstract

This exploratory study examined how the concepts associated with futuristics have been implemented in selected police agencies. The methodology approach was based upon a survey of the various state and local law enforcement administrators who have attended the graduate level course in the F.B.I. National Academy entitled, "Futures Research: Long-Range Planning for Law Enforcement" under the direction of Supervisory Special Agent, William F. Tafoya, Ph.D. The survey sought their opinions on the value of the course, its impact on their "thinking" and "planning" approaches, and how they have actually implemented some, if any, of the concepts and techniques in their respective agencies. The findings of this survey provide majority support confirming that the "Futures Research: Long-range Planning for Law Enforcement" course made a significant impact upon police administrators' cognition (more proactive and/or creative) relative to their duties and responsibilities. Moreover, the findings substantiated through majority consensus that proactive and/or futuristic changes will enhance law enforcement's ability to respond to crime. Administrators acknowledged that based on this course they are more enlightened of the importance of analyzing and predicting the long-range effect of daily decisions and operations. Police administrators also are more likely to establish a magnified orientation relative to the computer revolution, which provides them with the opportunity to institute/modify procedures and training, anticipate needs and trends, and orient tasks and duties in accord with the future. However, this is not solely the case, as many resistive factors lie within law enforcement's administrative/political structure which thwart change and futuristics. This is found to be a common thread inherent within the fabric of many policing agencies and its basis is supported by the findings of this study. Nevertheless, the findings of this survey statistically confirmed that many of the concepts and techniques associated with futuristics have been implemented in selected policing agencies. However, this implementation significantly dwarfs the number of police departments who are actually involved in a futures research project.