HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 24-1812INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 24-1812
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
March 5, 2024
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: OFFICE OF POLICE OVERSIGHT MONITOR LAUNCHES
COMMUNITY -POLICE MEDIATION PROGRAM
The purpose of this Informal Report is to update the City Council about the upcoming launch of
the Office of Police Oversight Monitor's (OPOM) Community -Police Mediation Program.
Background
This program aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement and our community by fostering
open dialogue and understanding through mediated conversations. With rising national tensions
and a growing need for improved relations, OPOM saw an opportunity to initiate a proactive
approach to resolve conflicts.
Research and Planning
OPOM began this process by conducting extensive research on similar programs across the
country, gathering insights, and understanding best practices. OPOM met with many of these
oversight agencies and mediation centers to discuss the successes, failures, and lessons learned
in their own mediation programs. This groundwork was crucial in devising our own program
structure. Other agencies have reported that 1) a noticeable shift in perceptions, with both law
enforcement and community members expressing a willingness to engage further and work
towards mutual understanding and trust, and 2) participants in the mediation sessions have
reported a greater understanding of each other's perspectives. The structured conversations
have allowed for more open communication and empathy.
Cities with Examined Mediation Programs
Denver, Colorado
Baltimore, Maryland
New Orleans, Louisiana
New York City, New York
Washington D.C.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Seattle, Washington
Miami, Florida
This table captures the cities with mediation programs that OPOM reviewed during the
research and planning phases for the development of the Community -Police Mediation
Program. It is worth noting the expansive landscape of mediation programs nationwide,
reflecting the growing prominence of this field as a tool in police reform efforts.
Stakeholder Engagement
OPOM engaged with various stakeholders, including community leaders, law enforcement
representatives, local government officials, and advocacy groups. OPOM held virtual and in -
person community forums during the early planning stages of the process. The community
expressed their support of the program and desire to have this program available to them. OPOM
continued to meet with community leaders and has had on -going conversations with FWPD and
the Fort Worth Police Association. All the input received was invaluable in shaping the program's
framework and ensuring its relevance. OPOM recognizes the importance of including various
perspectives to ensure the viability and success of this program.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 24-1812
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
March 5, 2024
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: OFFICE OF POLICE OVERSIGHT MONITOR LAUNCHES
COMMUNITY -POLICE MEDIATION PROGRAM
FWPD and the Fort Worth Police Officer's Association
OPOM was able to develop this program with support from the Fort Worth Police Department.
The Community -Police Mediation program also has the full support of the Fort Worth Police
Officers Association.
Mediator Recruitment
OPOM strategically recruited community mediators by leveraging social media, engaging in
stakeholder meetings, and partnering with various community organizations throughout Fort
Worth. The two -month campaign resulted in 27 phone interviews, leading to the selection of 13
community mediators and 4 police officer ambassadors. This careful selection process aimed to
mirror the demographics of Fort Worth complainants, fostering a diverse and empathetic team for
effective mediation.
Training and Preparation
This past January, OPOM provided comprehensive training, consisting of 45 classroom hours
over the course of 6 days, to both police officers and community mediators to equip them with the
necessary skills to facilitate constructive conversations. The training focused on the inclusive
model of mediation. Inclusive mediation prioritizes diverse ideas and experiences for lasting
conflict resolution. Mediators allow unfiltered communication, even if it includes intense emotions.
This approach upholds participant self-determination and allows participants to come to an
understanding via collaboration amongst one another. Mediators learned about active listening,
empathy, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity. Officer Ambassadors participated in role-
plays to provide a valuable perspective and insight to enhance mediators' understanding of the
challenges faced by officers and the community alike. An additional 5 hours of training will be
completed in the coming weeks by observation of live mediations and ongoing participation in
roleplays. Community Mediation Maryland (CMM) conducted the training for the selected
mediators and ambassadors and will continue to provide guidance throughout the implementation
of the program. CMM has trained community -police mediators in other major cities, including New
Orleans, Miami, and Baltimore.
Additional questions should be directed to Director Bonycle Sokunbi,
policeoversight(a)fortworthtexas.gov or 817-392-6535.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS