“I Am – Somebody!” Why ACRB Mediation Matters
By ACRB Executive Director Lee Reid
Civil Rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson’s powerful poem and chant, “I Am Somebody” rings true 60 years later. The chant and poem were popular in the sixties and seventies and served to remind many of us, young and old, that despite our conditions we are somebody deserving of respect and protection. It was about empowerment over our lives, regardless of our social/economical situations, and demanding that our humanness be recognized.
The question that someone is burning to ask is, “What does “I Am Somebody” have to do with the ACRB mediation program?” I’ll tell you. Mediation is about empowerment. It is about affirming your dignity and respect in an environment where police officers and citizens are on a level playing field for discussion. It provides that rarified air of a citizen/police contact where the conversation focuses on learning, sharing, and understanding, as opposed to enforcement and power. With the help of a third-party who is not associated with the ACRB or the police department, the citizen and officer, meeting face-to-face, are free to discuss the events involved in the citizen complaint to work toward an acceptable solution. The ability to meet face-to-face has proven to be beneficial for citizens and officers.
Mediation restores dignity, recognizes humanness, and creates empowerment. It allows both the citizen and officer to see each other as Somebody.
If you ever have a concern or complaint against an Atlanta police officer, mediation may be an option for you to consider. Unfortunately, not every complaint qualifies for mediation. Qualification for mediation depends on the allegations contained in the complaint and whether the citizen and officer both agree to participate in the mediation opportunity.
If you have a concern about the actions of an Atlanta police or corrections officer, contact the ACRB at 404-865-8622.