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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Department Initiates Mediation Program for Citizen Complaints
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
8/18/2005 12:00:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Police Media Relations (206) 684-5520
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DEPARTMENT INITIATES MEDIATION PROGRAM FOR CITIZEN COMPLAINTS
Chief Gil Kerlikowske today announced the implementation of a new program in the Department’s Office of Professional Accountability to resolve selected police complaints through mediation. “Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a professional mediator will help citizens and officers talk and listen to each other. This will be an alternative to the traditional complaint and disciplinary process for selected cases,” said Kerlikowske. “The new program allows employees and citizens the opportunity to discuss and resolve misunderstandings, miscommunication or the lack of communication experienced during a particular incident,” he added.
A mediation program was advocated initially by SPD’s former independent auditor, Retired King County Superior Court Judge Terrence Carroll. The OPA has now implemented the program following successful negotiations with the Seattle Police Officer’s Guild. Guild President, Sergeant Kevin Haistings stated, “This program has the possibility to be a win-win for all involved. Many of the issues that evolve into complaints are based on a lack of understanding. The mediation program allows for equal dialog between the citizen and the employee to resolve issues without a formal investigation and a black mark on the officer’s record.”
Cases will be selected for mediation by the OPA Director, Sam Pailca. A complaint will only be mediated if both the complainant and officer agree to participate. “The formal OPA investigative process can be rigid and lengthy, and often fails to get at the heart of the matter. Mediation holds a lot of promise for promoting mutual respect and understanding,” she concluded.
Though no longer serving as the OPA Auditor, Judge Carroll has continued his support for mediation at SPD. Now a principal at JDR, he arranged for them to provide their services “pro-bono” as the system is launched. JDR’s panelists bring a wealth of experience and insight to the dispute resolution process gained through our years in private practice, in serving at all levels of the Washington State court system and in full-time dispute resolution. Judge Carroll believes that mediation can make a difference in the understanding, attitude and behavior of the participants. “This proposed mediation program represents a great opportunity for the citizens and SPD to gain a better understanding of the differing perspectives in our city as well as bring prompt, non-judgmental resolution to complaints against officers,” Carroll added.
Chief Kerlikowske believes that trained, neutral and experienced third party mediators will enhance the accountability system. “The system has had great results in other large cities and metropolitan areas. In Portland, for example, about 90% of officers and citizens give the mediation program high marks. The program allows for both parties to explain their actions and hear the perspective of the parties involved rather than have the issues decided by others,” he stated.
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