Fort Worth’s Office of the Police Oversight Monitor has initiated a new mediation program aimed at rebuilding community trust in the police department.
According to OPOM director Bonycle Sokunbi, the program offers an alternative avenue for handling internal affairs complaints, providing a platform for individuals to express their feelings and experiences during interactions with law enforcement officers.
The mediation option, tailored for low-level offenses like rudeness or discourtesy, allows both citizens and officers to engage in dialogue facilitated by volunteer mediators. The goal is to foster understanding and reach agreements between the involved parties.
This initiative marks the first time in the complaint process that neighbors and officers have an opportunity for two-way communication. A group of 12 trained mediators, selected for their neutrality and communication skills, will guide these discussions.
Sokunbi emphasized that mediation is distinct from community-police oversight, focusing instead on valuing individuals’ perspectives and experiences.
Community activist Bob Ray Sanders views the program as a positive step toward rebuilding trust between the police and the community. He underscores the importance of citizen engagement and accountability in law enforcement interactions.
Similar mediation programs in other major cities have demonstrated success in altering officer behavior and enhancing community-police relations.
The mediation program, voluntary for officers, has garnered support from both the police department and the police association. Robert Alldredge, Fort Worth Police executive assistant chief, believes the initiative has the potential to strengthen trust and understanding between officers and community members.
OPOM has also selected police officer ambassadors to advocate for the program and assist in explaining the process to fellow officers.
The mediation team is scheduled to review its first case on April 1, with plans to evaluate success through participant surveys and feedback.
