LAPD to Implement Racial Mediation Program

In light of rising racial tensions in America, the Los Angeles Police Department has announced that it is implementing a three-year, voluntary racial-mediation program. The plan calls for officers and citizens to talk out their differences — face-to-face.

According to the Huffington Post, the Community-Employee Mediation Pilot Program is a chance for both "officers and accusers to 'stand in each other's shoes.' "

Each party will be able to meet to discuss the profiling incident with each other in conversations mediated by a third party volunteer from the City Attorney’s office, according to a memo the LAPD provided to The Huffington Post.

The pilot program is a major step for a police department with a history of complaints and criticisms around racial profiling and bias. The Los Angeles Times cites most bias complaints stem from traffic or pedestrian stops.

Read more at the Huffington Post.