- Engaging the parties through listening and dialogue facilitated by a neutral mediator with the goal of gaining understanding about the other person’s perspective in a mutually agreeable way;
- Identifying the potential cause(s) of the parties’ conflict, uncovering what factors led to the complaint, and engaging in collaborative problem-solving to attempt to resolve the dispute;
- Providing CPD members an opportunity to better understand their interactions with complainants, learn from their past behaviors, and understand how their actions may affect future interactions with civilians;
- Providing community complainants an opportunity to better understand the conditions and responsibilities of law enforcement;
- Demonstrating the desire to provide accountability for police actions;
- And providing a neutral location that fosters a safe environment which encourages open communications for all parties involved.
