The Community Mediation Program (CMP) Pilot
CMP is an alternative dispute resolution model administered by the Civilian Office for Police Accountability (COPA), who holds authority to refer cases to mediation, established by ordinance and in compliance with the Consent Decree, which states,
“Mediation can be a valuable tool for expediting the resolution of complaints, building trust between community members and police and fostering mutual trust.”
“Mediation can be a valuable tool for expediting the resolution of complaints, building trust between community members and police and fostering mutual trust.”
COPA envisions mediation as a tool to bridge the communication gap and establish a better understanding and mutual respect between community members and the Chicago Police Department (CPD).
COPA screens for eligible complaints, notifies the parties if their case is eligible for mediation, and determines voluntary participation. Mediations are held with the assistance of a neutral mediator, where parties discuss the alleged misconduct with the goal of increasing the efficiency for complaint resolution, transparency, and public trust. The mediation process is centered on principles of procedural justice.
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Cases are successfully mediated when parties have heard, clarified, and understood the issues and each other’s point of view.
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“Good faith” participation is essential.
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The cases are closed upon successful mediation.