Community-Police Mediation Pilot Program

The City of Pasadena is launching a Community-Police Mediation Pilot Program to address lower-level complaints between law enforcement and the public through a voluntary, informal, and non-disciplinary mediation process. The program will focus on issues such as officer demeanor, communication style, or perceived disrespect, excluding cases involving use of force or serious misconduct. Trained neutral mediators will facilitate dialogue in a safe environment to promote mutual understanding, repair strained relationships, and prevent escalation of tensions. This initiative is part of the city’s broader strategy to strengthen police-community relations by offering a transparent and constructive alternative to traditional complaint systems, which have sometimes been met with public skepticism. The goal is to build long-term trust by ensuring outcomes are meaningful, culturally responsive, and embraced by both community members and police personnel. The City Attorney’s office is soliciting proposals from qualified mediation providers to design and implement this pilot program, ensuring it is accessible, sustainable, and properly integrated into the community. Responses are due by September 2, 2026, and interested parties should submit through the procurement portal under solicitation number 2026-RFP-0318. Primary contact for inquiries is Shannon Prior, Principal Administrative Analyst, with Antonio Watson serving as the Project Manager. The program will be based in Pasadena, California, with operations centered locally to ensure community engagement and responsiveness. The city seeks a provider with demonstrated experience in conflict resolution, cultural competence, and working collaboratively with law enforcement to deliver a program that not only resolves disputes but also transforms how the community and police interact moving forward.