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The team prioritized each category using impact, urgency, and do-ability as criteria for ranking the most important focus area. A project was selected that could be completed in a few meetings that would address the complaint process, which was identified as the primary area of focus. It identified elements that would be present in an ideal police/community interaction and elements necessary to build a model police complaint process. These elements were then turned into values statements. The following statement was developed by the Interaction Task Group related to Police/Community Relations: Positive interactions between officers and civilians should be characterized by mutual respect and courtesy, and a professional demeanor on the part of the officer. When officers have contact with civilians on a 'stop' there should be an opportunity for respectful two-way communication between the parties, combined with an upfront explanation by the officer of the possible enforcement actions that may follow to help alleviate anxiety. Officers should strive to leave the person with his/her self-respect intact, and attempt to end the interaction on a positive note. People who are subject to a stop should understand why they were stopped, be given an opportunity to express their perspective, and not be detained unnecessarily. Ultimately, citizens should feel they were stopped legitimately, and understand their options should they wish to follow up. When possible, translators should be provided for non-English speakers, and the officers should offer their business cards at the conclusion of the stop. Finally, civilians should understand that reserved or cautious behavior of officers during the stop is 'business-like' and not personal, based on training to protect the officers 'safety. · Existing Policies and Training Standards The commission reviewed city-wide and police department policies and standards for employee conduct, performance and demeanor, including: Human Resource and Risk Services Policy 3-900 - Discipline and Grievances General Order 1101.2- Performance Standards (draft) General Order 1101.1 - Code of Conduct General Order 308.40 - Person Stops and Contacts Commissioners suggested a series of modifications to the department's policies and made a formal recommendation regarding modifications to General Order 308.40. In March 2004, the commission held a work session on the department's current officer academy and in-service training curriculum specific to conduct, demeanor and interactions with the public. Improving relations between the police and community is part of the Police Commission's core mission and an integral part of its on-going work with the department and larger community. Upon completion of the tasks described above, the group developed a set of interim recommendations to help "create a climate of mutual respect and partnership" between the police and public and to improve interactions between police and community members for the safety and benefit of all. It should be noted that several developments occurred over the past year that directly impacted police/community relations and influenced the recommendations presented in the interim report. The high profile convictions of two former Eugene police officers on criminal charges that occurred on duty dealt a 2004 Annual Report Page 4 of 10