Some Futures for the Police: Scenario and Science

We live in complex times; however, policing still holds a central role in the maintenance of law and order. There is an uncertain future for policing especially as the organisational concept, practice and function of the police are undergoing transition. This chapter explores the current complex socio-political, technical and operational environment of policing, before considering possible key topics that will impact upon the future of policing including terrorism, cyber crime, organised crime and threats created by climate change or infectious diseases. Finally it will consider how leaders and the police organisation can forecast, plan, and manage the future policing response to meet the changing environment, whilst remaining flexible and able to work through uncertainty.