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The attached document, entitled “Prevailing Trends Report – June 2012,” was prepared by POST’s Future Vision Team employing the same strategic foresight methodology used for preparation of the initial report in 2011. The report identifies prevailing trends; examines current conditions; considers what opportunities, threats, allies, and competitors that may exist; presents an example scenario of what POST could resemble over the course of the decade ending in 2020; and offers recommendations for attaining a preferred future.
Scanning of the environment revealed that the same two trends identified in 2011 remained predominant in 2012: (1) rapidly expanding employment of technology and (2) diminishing government resources. Law enforcement dependence on an increasing array of technology will have implications for standards and training, for example, training on the use of technology to support operations will increase as will the delivery of training via technology. At the same time, diminished government funding for law enforcement will continue to exert pressure to reduce operational costs.
Based on analysis of information gathered through the futuring process, the report elaborated on the following recommendations to help guide POST toward development of a strategic framework for attaining a preferred future:
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Identify critical success factors that will guide modifications to POST’s operating strategy, as well as impact the organizational structure, processes, people, and services.
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Foster collaboration with stakeholders and public/private entities to keep POST current, solvent, and relevant.
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Improve efficiencies by adopting technologies and business practices that maximize POST’s resources.
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Seek alternate funding sources so that POST can fulfill its vision/mission despite economic challenges.
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Improve accessibility to POST services.
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Invest in resource development to maintain pace with technological advancements and emergent research.
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