Proposal for an Effective Review Board-Page 9 Portland has an Office of Mediation through which such meetings can take place. Board members will periodically attend mediation sessions, with the consent of all parties, to ensure that the process is satisfactory and unbiased.
Successful mediation implies that both parties are satisfied with the outcome.
If no solution is found through mediation, a full investigation will follow. Although the parties will retain the right to sue, statements made during the course of mediation may not be used in a legal action. In fact, both parties will keep such statements confidential. The Board will be responsible for contacting the complainant, the Chief of Police, and City Council, and for publicizing its findings. If no result is forthcoming, the Board will advise the complainant and the officer involved, in writing, as to the reason for the delay and the timetable for completion.