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In discussing challenges in tile . current process and how the new oversight system will alleviate r) and/or compound some of those challenges, specially trained advocates may also be a valuable resource to the review board. There are a handful of complainants who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to resolve their complaints and continue to contact other city staff, elected officials, and/or law enforcement agencies in an effort to get "somebody to do something" with their complaint. It is anticipated that the review board will become a likely destination for such complaintS. Advocates who have been an outside witness to the process can assist the board by advising the members whether, in their opinion,. the .case in question was treated with due diligence or if other steps should have been taken. Advocates could also have the additional responsibility to liaison with other problem- solving teams such as CRT Ops in an attempt to connect peopleto other resources in the community. This may be especially. beneficial to complainants who have chronic issues that bring them into contact with the police,' or who due to other conditions, are unable to find resolution to their situation. .Both of these suggestions for new advocacy functions' have the same basic objectives:' to help ensure a thoughtful, thorough review of complaints which typically go unresolved, connect people to resources that may be better equipped to resolve their issues, and reduce the likelihood of redundant staff or board review of the same complaint. CONCLUSION ~n many ways, the values underlying this report reflect' the values .expressed during the development of the civilian oversight model: provide easy public access, have dearly defined and ) consistently applied p'rocedures, promote a'ccountability while respecting the rights of all involved parties, increase satisfaction in the complaint process for all involved, and improve police services. In applying these values to the recommendations developed, MAlT's objective was to ensure that alternative resolution options are an integral component to the new complaint process. The incorporation of best practices' in program redesign will elevate the program's' visibility and credibility, which is critical to achieving success. MAlT brought together policy advisors, community practitioners, and staff experienced with alternative complaint resolution systems to create a framework. for how these options can be optimized in the future police complaint process.. .MAlT recognizes that its recommendations, some of which are fairly conceptual, will need further discussion and refine~ent. MAlT hopes that its background research, the record of its disc;ussions, and the resulting report will be a . valuable resource to decision-makers for program development purposes. As the implementation of the new complaint model moves forward, MAlT members are committed' to assisting as appropriate to.ensure that alternative resolution and advocacy are viable, trusted options. PaOA 14