Item B: Update on Implementation of Measure 20-106

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~9.!_~ge Comp!a~_~,!,,~ystem and ClyHian Oversigh~_Recommen~,?tions personnel may need to run a records check to identify involved personnel and gather other incident infonnation necessary fur the complaint categorization. If an outstanding walTant is discovered during this process, intake personnel ..vi11 have the discretion to notify the complainant of this fact so that the warrant can be resolved without risk of arrest. In situations w'here the complaint is of a serious nature, the fact that an outstanding warrant exists will not delay processing the complaint. Similarly, if an outstanding warrant for certain crimes (e.g., a violent felony) is discovered, intake staff 'will notify police of this fact when appropriate. Procedures will be developed to provide guidance for when intake staff should take more direct action on an outstanding warrant. o The Police Commission recognizes that records checks are a routine portion of all police investigations, including internal investigations. Hmvever, as only a subset of all complaints will require a fo-rmal investigation, removing a records check from the initial complaint intake process significantly reduces the risk that filing a complaint will trigger an arrest Since a records check will occur iithe complaint proceeds to the investigation phase, public infomlation on the complaint process should explain that as part of investigating the complaint, any outstanding \van-ants will be identified. The language should encourage people \vho are concerned about the possibility of an outstanding warrant to access the auditor's office to me a complaint and/or to dear their warrants with the Court before filing a complaint. The actual language selected should attempt to balance transparency with other values such as neutrality, open access, safety and accOlmtability. A1tema~iy',~,Resolution to C<?[nplaints The commission believes that a successful mediation program should be an integral part of the redesigned complaint process. As such, commissioners have expressed a commitment to modernize and expand the current program to ensure complainants are informed of the complaint resolution options available to them and to maximize opportunities for alternative resolution. Over the years, the department has worked with the Human Rights Program to develop a mediation arld advocacy program that has had a number of successes and is not significantly ditTerent in its function than the model programs examined nationally. However, there is a sense that the existing prq,>ranl has not reached its potential and after several years in effect, may benefit from an evaluation. The commission supports the CUlTent practices of otTering fonnal mediations, facilitated conversations, and/or advocacy support for certain complaints to promote understanding of interactions and promote respectful communication arld accountability for each person's actions. The commission agreed at its May 12,2005, meeting to appoint a task force of Police Commission, Human Rights Commission, and conununity stakeholders to look at current practices and make proposals regarding the enhancing the role of mediation and advocacy in the complaint process. Specifically, the task team will detennine \vhich entity should manage the mediation program and coordinate actual mediations, whether mediators should be hired on contract, whether mediation should preclude the use ofthe regular complaint process, and how community advocates may best be utilized in the process. The ta..<;k team will include interested commission members, .tIRC staff and volunteers, and other key stakeholders, such as Community Mediation Services. 16