The current direction has been an increasingly pro-active approach in regard to program awareness and conflict resolution training. The program focuses on communication and listening skills for corrections and enforcement deputies during the 1999 in-service training. In many law enforcement agencies, units work together as a family. Other causes of conflict may involve harassment issues, personality issues, misunderstandings, poor communication skills, or differing communication styles. Unresolved, the issues may escalate to the point of impacting officer and public safety.
Mediation is an option to consider.
Mediation is based on the premise that the involved parties care enough about the working relationship to want to resolve the issue. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office recognizes the value of workplace intervention through mediation as a means of solving interpersonal conflict. Mediation is used to clarify facts and issues, focus on underlying concerns, develop options to resolve conflicts, and create an action plan that is acceptable to all parties to resolve the underlying problem. The Workplace Intervention Program is available to all employees of the Sheriff's Office. The purpose of the Workplace Intervention Program is to create an atmosphere within all Sheriff's Office operations and facilities that values good workplace relationships and effective communication skills.