If mediation is ineffective and poses a threat to officer safety, what should be done next?

In situations where mediation has proven ineffective and there is a threat to officer safety, the best course of action is to proceed to arbitration or crisis intervention. This approach focuses on addressing the situation in a more structured manner, often involving trained professionals who specialize in de-escalation and conflict resolution.

Arbitration can help bring in an impartial party to facilitate discussions or resolve disputes when direct mediation fails. Meanwhile, crisis intervention teams can provide critical support in managing potentially volatile situations. These trained units can employ specialized techniques to ensure safety and promote effective communication, which can help to diffuse the tension.

Moving toward arbitration or crisis intervention is vital because it prioritizes the safety of the officers involved and the individuals they are interacting with. Engaging in further mediation when previous attempts were unsuccessful can escalate risks, especially if the environment is already unsafe. Therefore, utilizing established response protocols like crisis intervention or arbitration is essential for maintaining safety and effectively resolving conflicts.