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. One of the first team tasks was to develop a statement of work to gUide the group's work and to identify a set of commonly agreed to program outcomes to strive for, as follows: . . MATT is comprised of community members and city staff whose goal is to ensure that alternative dispute resolution is a vital component of the redesigned police complaint system. In doing this work, the team recognizes the creativity and dedication put forth to establish the current complaint mediation program. The intent of MATT members is to re-evaluate the existing program and review other mediation programs in place nationally to develop. recommendations that will expand access to and use of alternative methods of resolving. complaints,against police employees. Ultimately, the team's efforts will result in a modernized mediation and.advocacY system that is recognized nationally and embraced locally. A police complaint mediation program provides the opportunity for participants to air their differences, explain perspectives, and feel heard in an environment that is safe, impartial and confidential. In, doing so, both parties are able to develop an appreciation of the other . person's experiences and to better understand ,other perspectives of the incident. Mediation is , a fair and equitable process that encourages . pa~icipants to be accountable for thei'r own behavior. . It provides a positive approach .toconflict resolution, creating the potential for a ' win-win situation, thereby improvingsatisfa,ction in the complaint process for all involved. In looking at design options for the ~ediation program, MAlT believes the ,sy~tem should: identify complaints that are well. suited for alternative resolution options as well a's those that are not appropriate for alternative resolution; carefully select cases for alternative resolution to help build credibility in the system to optimize program utilization in the future; have formalized, consistent operating procedures that are easily explained. to participants; present an expeditious, resource-efficient complaint resolution option; - work in coordination with Internal Affairs, Human Rights Support System and the Au'ditors Office processes to achieve high visibility and easy access for the public; clearly define a process for resolution and closure of a complaint; include thorough case tracking and program evaluation capabilities; and - translate issues arising from individual c;omplaints into broader trends that can be used to iQentify possible improvements to deRartmentaI policy,. training ,and practices, ultimately helping to improve the relationship between the police and community. . Using the program outcomes as a guide, MATT discussed the strengths and challenges in the city's existing mediation and advocacy program, identifying key issues for discussion. Where there was consensus, the team crafted recommendations to optimize the use of alternative methods to resolve police complaints. In compiling this' information, MAlT's intent was to develop a framework for future program design, acknowledging that some issues would be left unresolved pending the .implementation of the new civilian oversight system. Many of the r~commendations formalize current practices or clarify procedures for improved consistency. Recommendations for change often reflect Page 2 .. r.'-.... .t...' \---J