Independent mediation between the public and the police (MIPP)

1. Overview

The independent mediation body between the population and the police (MIPP) is here to listen to you and help you find common ground when you feel you have been treated unfairly in a police interaction. This could involve a difference of opinion, a misunderstanding or an attitude deemed inappropriate or disproportionate that calls for an explanation.

Mediation is free and confidential.

 

Autres feuillets du livret

Whether you are an individual or a member of the police force, mediation is a quick and simple way of resolving a conflict or disagreement out of court. Is it appropriate for your situation ?

Mediation with the MIPP

The conflict between you and a person or a member of the police force could be settled using mediation. You wish to be heard by the MIPP. How does one request mediation ?

Request mediation

The MIPP manages disputes between the population and the police by listening and mediating. What happens once you have requested mediation from MIPP ? 

Mediation step by step

Contact us

Organe de Médiation indépendante entre la population et la police (MIPP)
Rue Henri-Fazy
1204 Genève (4th floor)
E - mediation-population-police@etat.ge.ch

Telephone reception
Tuesday and Thursday
T. 022 327 92 80 

No appointment required
Thursdays from 12h to 14h

Legal bases

2. Mediation with the MIPP

You feel you are the victim of an inappropriate or an abusive act or comment. Mediation is a quick and simple way of settling a conflict or disagreement without going to court. 

For who

  • Anyone who feels wronged by the conduct of the police 
  • Any member of the cantonal or municipal police, including administrative staff, who feels wronged in the performance of their duties during an interaction with a person.
     

Definition

Mediation is a method of settling disputes. In mediation, a neutral and impartial person, called a mediator, helps the opposing parties to communicate in order to resolve their dispute. The mediator does not have the power to decide, but does everything possible to help manage the conflict. 

Whereas judges make decisions and conciliators offer solutions, mediators are facilitators. Mediators focus on reparation for the victim and on gaining an understanding of the conflict rather than on punishing the offender.

In mediation, discussions are carried out confidentially, ensuring total discretion.

Terms

Mediation takes place when:

  • There is a dispute between an individual and a member of the police force
  • The people in disagreement are willing to participate
  • The people in disagreement are prepared to engage in a constructive dialogue
  • The people in disagreement accept the principle of confidentiality.

Mediation cannot take place in the following cases:

  • The MIPP cannot offer an opinion on internal police conflicts
  • MIPP does not intervene in cases of physical violence. Such serious incidents must be reported directly to the police or the Public Prosecutor by registered mail.

Price

Mediation is free of charge.

3. Request mediation

A mediation procedure requested to the MIPP in order to settle a dispute between the public and the police is free and confidential.
 

Who

Mediation can be requested directly by :

  • Any person who feels he/she has been wronged, whether he/she lives in Geneva, is passing through or is a member of the police.

In certain cases that have been brought to their attention, mediation may also be requested by :

  • The State Councillor in charge of security
  • The Police Commander
  • Municipal officials in charge of security
  • The Public Prosecutor's Office
  • The Juvenile Court 
  • Non-governmental organisations or professionals responsible for following up individual cases

When

A request for mediation may be made as soon as :

  • A person or a member of the police force feels that he/she have been treated unfairly or misunderstood in the course of his/her interaction.
  • The State Council, the Police Commander or the local councillors receive a complaint.
  • The Public Prosecutor's Office or the Juvenile Court wishes to suspend proceedings in favour of mediation.
     

Request mediation

All you have to do is contact the MIPP by e-mail, post, telephone or by visiting the office during the opening hours listed below.

Contact us

Organe de Médiation indépendante entre la population et la police (MIPP)
Rue Henri-Fazy
1204 Genève (4th floor)
E - mediation-population-police@etat.ge.ch

Telephone reception
Tuesday and Thursday
T. 022 327 92 80 

No appointment required
Thursdays from 12h to 14h

4. Mediation step by step

The independent mediation body between the public and the police (MIPP) offers a neutral, independent and confidential setting where disputes between the population and the police can be resolved in a constructive, non-judicial manner. 

Individual interview

A member of the MIPP team listens individually to the grievances of persons in conflict. He/she informs them about the role of the MIPP and the options available in their situation.

This step makes it possible to assess :

  • the nature of the conflict
  • the ability of the people involved to enter into discussion
  • whether mediation is the appropriate solution.

In some cases, this initial stage of attentive listening and dialogue is enough to settle the dispute.
 

Preparing for mediation

If mediation is justified and the opposing parties agree to initiate mediation, the MIPP organises the practical arrangements. This includes everyone agreeing to the principle of confidentiality and to participate productively in the mediation.
 

Mediation session 

Under the guidance of a qualified mediator, people in conflict meet in a neutral and supportive environment. Mediation facilitates communication, encourages mutual listening and helps to clarify points of view.
Opposing parties explore issues together, express their needs and concerns, and work towards mutually acceptable solutions.

 

Shuttle mediation

If one party does not wish to meet the other during mediation process, the MIPP can pass on the questions, grievances and answers to the persons concerned. This is known as shuttle mediation.
 

Recommendations

The MIPP anonymously lists the problems that have been brought to its attention. When certain conflict situations are recurrent or in some specific cases, the MIPP may make recommendations to the cantonal police commander or to the municipal magistrates responsible for security, with the aim of improving police practices.