Police-Referred
Mediation Program
A partnership between the Fairfield Center and local law enforcement agencies to resolve community conflicts through constructive dialogue.
Supported by Grant No. 15PBJA-24-GG-00236-BRND • Bureau of Justice Assistance
What is Police-Referred Mediation?
The Police-Referred Mediation Program (PRM) offers law enforcement officers a free, community-based resource to help residents resolve conflicts safely and constructively.
When officers encounter non-violent situations where a criminal charge isn’t necessary, but conflict or tension remains, they can refer the individuals involved to the Fairfield Center.
This initiative runs from October 2024 through October 2027 and is part of a national effort to strengthen relationships between communities and law enforcement through dialogue and peaceful problem-solving.
Officer Resource
A strategic tool to de-escalate tension and reduce repeat calls without needing an arrest.
Community Support
A safe, neutral space for residents to be heard and find lasting solutions to their disputes.
Services & Solutions
Our mediators and practitioners take the time needed to help participants get to the root causes of their conflict and work toward resolution.
Mediation
Disputants sit together with a neutral mediator to resolve their issues through structured dialogue.
Conciliation
A conciliator acts as a go-between to carry information and offers between disputants.
Restorative Justice
Used when harm has occurred to support accountability and healing for all parties.
Conflict Exploration
Disputants explore options with staff. Ideal when only one party is available.
Listening Sessions
A safe space for people to just be heard and voice concerns without judgment.
Common Referrals
Common referrals include issues between neighbors, family members, co-parents, or others involving:
Program Goals
For Law Enforcement
- Provide officers with an effective, no-cost resource to share with community members in conflict.
- Reduce repeated calls for service related to the same disputes.
- Free up officer time for cases that require direct intervention.
For Community Members
- Offer a free, confidential, and non-adversarial way to resolve disputes.
- Empower individuals to address and prevent ongoing conflicts.
- Promote accountability, communication, and healing within neighborhoods.
Pilot Project Background
Fairfield Center is proud to be part of a federally funded pilot project coordinated by Resolution Virginia. Secured by U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine as part of the fiscal 2024 appropriations bill, this initiative aims to provide residents across Virginia with free access to mediation and conflict resolution services.
The project’s goal is to reduce reliance on police departments and courts while decreasing levels of community violence. By working with local law enforcement, we identify conflicts—such as neighborhood disputes or domestic issues—that can be resolved through early intervention rather than criminal charges.
"This project helps Virginians get easy access to justice... It provides a less adversarial, less formal, and more empowering way to resolve conflicts."— Christine Poulson Executive Director, Resolution Virginia
How Officers Can Refer a Case
Download and complete the fillable PDF referral form to start the process.
Connect With Us
Questions about the Police-Referred Mediation Program?
About Our Funding
This project is supported by Grant No. 15PBJA-24-GG-00236-BRND, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs.
Points of view or opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
ABOUT US
Founded in 1982, the Community Mediation Center now doing business as the Fairfield Center, was the pioneering organization in Virginia offering professional conflict resolution and restorative justice services and training.
CONTACT INFO
590 Neff Avenue, Suite 3000 Harrisonburg, VA 22801
+1 (540) 434-0059
Monday to Friday 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
info@fairfieldcenter.org
NEWS & EVENT
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