Community-Police Mediation Pilot Program

The City of Pasadena is seeking an organization with demonstrated qualifications in facilitative mediation, ideally in the law enforcement context, to provide mediation services for its Community-Police Mediation Pilot Program. The pilot program’s purpose is to support the constructive resolution of complaints involving Pasadena Police Department personnel by fostering mutual understanding, improving communication, and building trust between the community and the Department.

Mediation is a voluntary, informal, and non-disciplinary process that brings together complainants and police personnel in a neutral setting to resolve disputes through guided dialogue. Facilitated by trained, impartial mediators ideally with experience in law enforcement-related mediation, the process emphasizes respectful communication and collaborative problem-solving. While the pilot program primarily addresses community-generated complaints, it may also be used to resolve internal conflicts within the department.

The selected organization will be expected to generally understand Pasadena’s community landscape and Department policies and procedures related to complaints and mediation. The organization is expected to assemble a small, diverse team of mediators with demonstrated experience in facilitative mediation. Responsibilities include facilitating mediation sessions, collecting participant surveys, completing a post-mediation outcome survey, and coordinating closely with City staff. A representative must also be available to attend up to five meetings with community organizations and seven half-hour briefings with PPD personnel.

The pilot program is expected to manage approximately 18 mediations per year.

Community-police mediation programs provide a voluntary, informal, and non-disciplinary process for resolving conflicts between law enforcement personnel and members of the public. Facilitated by trained, neutral mediators, these programs create a safe space for open dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaborative problem-solving.

The Pasadena Community-Police Mediation Pilot Program will focus on addressing lower-level complaints that do not involve use of force or serious misconduct. Examples of complaints eligible for mediation include concerns about officer demeanor, communication style, or perceived disrespect. When applied to these situations, mediation can help prevent escalation, repair relationships, and foster understanding between the community and police.

This pilot program is part of the City’s broader efforts to improve police-community relations. While Pasadena has made progress in this area, challenges remain, including public skepticism about complaint processes and the need for transparent, constructive outcomes.

A successful pilot program will not only resolve individual complaints constructively but also foster long-term trust and understanding. The City seeks a mediation provider to help the City establish a sustainable, well-regarded pilot program that is accessible, culturally and community responsive, and embraced by both community members and police personnel.