Mediation of Citizen Complaints
 |
Mediation is one method for resolving complaints alleging police misconduct. It is a process for settling disputes based on the voluntary participation of the disputing parties. It emphasizes dialogue between parties and is a safe environment where parties can air their views about events or issues leading to the dispute. The process is intended to develop mutual understanding between the parties in the course of resolving the dispute. Citizen complaint mediation programs are not meant to replace traditional, formal complaint procedures, whether via citizen review mechanisms or internal processes. Instead, mediation is intended to be used for certain kinds of complaints against the police as an alternative procedure. Mediation has most frequently and successfully been used to address complaints of a less serious nature, such as allegations of police discourtesy or rudeness or poor job performance. These complaints may be resolved by providing both parties with an opportunity to express themselves freely and work toward a mutually agreed-upon resolution of a dispute.
|
|
Publications
Barbara Attard, “In Praise of Mediation,” NACOLE Review, Summer 2000. www.nacole.orgMerrick Bobb, Special Counsel, “First Semiannual Report on the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,” October 1993. Merrick Bobb, Special Counsel, “Second Semiannual Report on the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,” April 1994. Merrick Bobb, Special Counsel, and PARC, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, “Twentieth Semiannual Report on the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,” August 2005. Samuel Walker and Carol Archbold,“Mediating Citizen Complaints Against the Police: An Exploratory Study,” Journal of Dispute Resolution; Vol. 2000, No. 2: 231-244, 2000. Samuel Walker, Carol Archbold and Leigh Herbst, “Mediating Citizen Complaints against Police Officers: A Guide for Police and Community Leaders,” (web version) Washington DC: Government Printing Office, 2002. http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/default.asp?Item=452Vivian Berger, “Civilian Versus Police: Mediation Can Help Bridge the Divide,” Negotiation Journal, Vol. 3, No. 16: 211-235, 2000.
Back To Top
|
|