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What
is mediation? |
Mediation
is an informal dispute resolution process that utilizes a neutral third
party, the mediator, to assist the parties involved in the mediation to
resolve their differences or conflicts. Mediation allows for each party
to voice their concerns in a controlled, secure, and totally confidential
environment. |
Why should I choose to mediate? |
Mediation is an informal, non-punitive process. It allows all
parties to a dispute equal input and greater control over final resolution
of their issues. It is normally a much faster process to resolve differences
than by using the department's more formal processes. Due to the informal
nature of the mediation process, nothing will ever appear in an employee's
personnel file should the employee choose mediation as a way to resolve
an issue. |
What issues can be mediated? |
Mediation
eligible issues are primarily interpersonal in nature and may include
misperceptions, misunderstandings, discourtesies, and miscommunications
among people. Mediation issues generally involve personal conflict between
two or more parties and the mediation process is used to help resolve
these conflicts. Issues involving criminal behavior, certain law and policy
violations, as well as flagrant misconduct are NOT eligible for mediation.
Eligibility for mediation will be determined at the time the issue is
first brought forward. |
Is mediation part of the department's formal investigative process? |
No.
The Mediation Section of the Alternative Dispute Resolution office oversees
the department's mediation process. Mediation IS NOT
part of the IAD process or any other investigative process. |
Is mediation a punitive process? |
No.
Mediation
is a non-punitive process and does not result in discipline against any
of the participants, regardless of the outcome, as long as the issue can
be resolved via mediation. |
How confidential is mediation? |
According
to state law and police department policy mediation is confidential. All
mediation participants, including the mediator, must keep confidential
any information either discussed or discovered during the mediation process,
except as otherwise required by law. |
Who can participate in the mediation process? |
Mediation
is available to all Houston Police Department employees, both civilian
and classified. Any citizen who wishes to utilize the department's mediation
process can do so via the Citizen and Employee Mediation Program. |
What is a mediator? |
A
mediator is a third party neutral who oversees and controls the mediation
session. The mediator is not a judge and will not dictate any part of
the resolution. A mediator helps to keep the mediation focused and facilitates
open conversation between the parties. By law anything discussed in the
presence of a mediator must be kept confidential by that mediator and
the parties involved. The mediator is typically referred to as a third
party neutral. |
How
is a mediator selected? |
Mediators are chosen randomly from a list of pre-qualified trained mediators. |
What
is my first step if I wish to get additional information about the department's
mediation process? |
Contact the Alternative Dispute Resolution office at 713-308-3400. A Mediation Section staff member will explain the steps you need to follow. All inquiries remain confidential. |