Mediation Program

What is Mediation?

Mediation gives community members and Seattle Police Department employees a chance to talk about a conflict they had. This is done with the help of a neutral, third-party person called a mediator. It is a voluntary, private experience where the people involved work together to reach an understanding. OPA decides which cases can go to mediation based on certain criteria, and is often used for issues like professionalism, bias, or miscommunication.

Goals of Mediation

• To help participants understand each other by listening and talking, not by deciding who is guilty or innocent.
• Find the main reasons for the conflict and discover factors that led to the complaint.
• Stop similar problems from happening in the future.

"I got a better understanding as to intent over impact. Mediation actually works. I felt it would not at first, but it does!" - Participant

Mediation Process

A typical mediation session includes:

1. Pre-Mediation Coaching: The mediator talks to each person separately about the conflict and provide coaching.
2. Introduction: The mediator brings everyone together, explains the process, and sets ground rules.
3. Opening Statements: Each person shares their side of the story.
4. Issue Identification: The mediator restates the problem and asks questions to encourage discussion.
5. Development of Understanding: Both sides talk to better understand each other’s perspective.
6. Conclusion: Everyone completes an exit survey.

This content was adapted from the Office of Police Accountability (OPA) website to enhance clarity and accessibility. Edits were made using M365 Copilot Chat in accordance with the Mayor’s Executive Order (EO 2025-03) and the City’s Artificial Intelligence Policy (POL-211). All information was reviewed and approved by OPA staff prior to publication.