Community-Police Mediation Program

The City of Pasadena is seeking to partner with a qualified and experienced law enforcement mediation organization to launch and administer its Police-Community Mediation Program. The program aims to support 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 with experience in law enforcement-related mediation, the process emphasizes respectful communication and collaborative problem-solving. While the 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 understand Pasadena’s community landscape, in general, and Department policies and procedures related to complaints and mediation. The organization is expected to assemble a small, diverse pool of mediators with demonstrated experience in police-community mediation. Responsibilities include scheduling sessions, conducting pre-mediation conversations, facilitating mediation sessions, administering participant surveys, documenting outcomes, and coordinating closely with City staff. The contractor must also provide a lead administrator as well as mediators or staff members who will occasionally work alongside City staff to educate and promote the program to both community members and Pasadena Police Department personnel. The program is expected to manage approximately 1–2 mediations per month.

Police-community 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 Police-Community Mediation 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 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 program will not only resolve individual complaints constructively but also foster long-term trust and understanding. The City seeks a partner who can help build a sustainable, well-regarded program that is accessible, culturally and community responsive, and embraced by both community members and police personnel.