Surveys
The Community-Police Mediation program conducts surveys upon the completion of the mediation. These surveys are an opportunity for the participants to give feedback on their mediation experience. The surveys help the OIPM to monitor the quality of the program, understand its impact, and identify gaps that need to be addressed, such as things to add to the intake process, areas where mediators need additional training, or how to make the process more accessible to all.
The surveys are also an opportunity to learn if and how the mediation impacted the participants’ understanding of policing or the community, how they would make changes based on what they learned, and if this service is something the participant would recommend to others.
Civilian Feedback with Mediation
- “The mediation felt good, zero pressure. I realized the officer was a nice guy and not all officers are bad.”
- “The mediation brought out a true expression of how we both felt. I was able to give a more clear-headed response.”
- “The mediators asked good questions. It felt comfortable and balanced.”
- “We got to the bottom of it.”
- “I was relieved to be able to speak my piece. I liked being face-to-face and being able to listen and understand.”
- “I learned that officers really care about civilians, that’s good to know.”
- “The entire process was really good and I feel like the issues are resolved.”
- “We both got to explain ourselves and come to a resolution.”
- “I love this program, it’s excellent. I appreciated the opportunity to confront the officer and ask questions and just be involved, be heard, and be responded to.”
- “I was surprised to learn that not all white cops are the same. He was much nicer in person and we had some things in common about our families and lives.”
Officer Feedback from Mediation
- “I’m glad you all are doing this program. It gives a chance for families and people to vent and ask questions, even if people don’t like the answers.”
- “No one puts on this uniform to make people miserable. This gives us a chance to be heard and explain our process.”
- “The department investigation process can be so burdensome, so I appreciate this more effective and efficient option.”
- “I learned I need to take more time to explain things and that communication can go a long way, even if I’m busy.”
- “I learned that the community appreciates us.”
- “I think everything about the process is wonderful. It’s an excellent way to hear each other. To be heard is a lot.”
- “Thank you for the opportunity to speak directly to the citizen and get their concerns directly handled.”
- “There’s a trust issue that we need to get to the bottom of. This helps by giving a chance for both parties to express themselves and try to get a resolution.”
- “I really appreciate that this takes some of the burden off NOPD for not needing to do full scale investigations for simple complaints. This shows there’s another way of doing business when it comes to accountability and complaints.”
- “I left with more of an appreciation of her and the stress she went through.”
- “This is a very positive thing for officers. I would definitely recommend it to others.”