Mediation training can improve officers' interpersonal skills and show them how their attitudes and behavior influence the actions of others. As a result, they can better handle disputes and prevent incidents from escalating. Mediation can achieve its best results in bolstering existing community policing philosophy, programs, and missions. Mediation by patrol officers works best for conflicts that are episodic, since disagreements of this type often do not involve a history or ongoing relationship between the parties. Officers should refer to a local mediation center any conflict with a high degree of seriousness, a likelihood of significant financial cost or loss, or likely significant legal (civil) ramifications. Generally, the mediation process includes setting ground rules for the interaction, allowing the parties to tell their side of the story, recapping the central issues, brainstorming possible solutions, and reaching an agreement. The key to successful mediation, whether formal or informal, is in allowing the participants to fashion their own agreement. In order for mediation to have a positive difference in a police agency, the chief must issue an official proclamation that mandates patrol officer use of mediation when it is warranted. 11-item bibliography