Mediation Program

• Allows complaints to be resolved in 60 days or less;

• Completely voluntary, any party can opt out at any time;

• Complaints are not recorded in Internal Affairs Profiles;

• Case files are confidential and  not admissible in court;

• Provides a neutral atmosphere and  safe space;

• Leads to better understanding of interactions with citizens;

• Greater satisfaction with process compared to traditional internal affairs;

• Empowerment: Experts in mediation believe that it empowers each of the parties involved by providing a "safe space," protected by rules of confidentiality, where they can freely express their feelings and opinions. In this setting, mediation empowers police officers by allowing them to take an active role in shaping the settlement of the complaint. By agreeing to participate in mediation, listening, expressing their own views about the events in question, and proposing the terms of a final agreement, officers are empowered to take responsibility for resolving the problem.

• Opportunity to explain actions to citizens:  Mediation provides police officers with an opportunity to explain what they did and why. In the internal affairs review process, officers are required to explain themselves to investigators–from either internal affairs or a citizen oversight agency–but they have no opportunity to talk directly to the complainant.

During mediation, there will be two trained and impartial mediators selected by the officer and the complainant. Mediators abide by ethical standards that are designed to promote honesty, integrity and impartiality to all parties.

What is mediation? Mediation is a process where an impartial third person(s) facilitates discussion and possible resolution of a dispute between two or more disputing parties. Mediation is a CONFIDENTIAL process that is strictly voluntary for both parties. 

Once Mediation commences, am I obligated to continue? No, either party may withdraw from it at any time. In the event that a party withdraws from mediation the process will proceed through Internal Affairs.

How do the mediators make a decision? The mediators do not make a decision about the outcome. Rather, it is the parties who voluntarily agree to a mutually acceptable resolution. The mediator role is simply to assist the parties with the discussion.

What happens if the party reaches a resolution? If the parties reach a resolution, then the case is closed. The mediators will report to the department that mediation was successful, and no further investigation will take place.

The current team of City of Miami mediators includes:

• Pastor AD Lenior

• Loreal Arscott

• Kathie Klarreich

• Rebecca Ramos

• Jendayi London

• Rubiett Jenkins

• Brother Lyle

• Jennifer Hill

• Nikki Watkins