The OIPM conducts intake conversations with each complainant to offer them mediation, explain the process, and answer questions. It is a voluntary process that we offer for all eligible complaints. Some complainants are eager to participate and others decline. Each person and case is unique, but some of the reasons we heard this year as to why civilians did not want to participate in the mediation program were:
- Civilian didn’t think it would help this officer change his behavior.
- The civilian didn’t have time to mediate because of family, job, or medical issues.
- Civilian was sick or had other health issues.
- Civilian didn’t feel safe in presence of officer or wants to be anonymous.
- Civilian already received an apology from NOPD and felt the matter was resolved.
- Civilian preferred the complaint be investigated through the traditional complaint investigation process.
- Civilian feels traumatized and does not wish to talk with officer.
- Civilian wants to pursue civil litigation.
- Civilian doesn’t think they will get what they want out of mediation.
- Civilian doesn’t want to waive the investigation of complaint.