ComPol Says Gang Mediation Sessions Are Confidential

On Wednesday, we reported about a car that caught fire on Vernon Street after a tense gang mediation session. The car’s owner, Doris Grant, claims she received threats about her common-law husband during the session. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, who was present at the mediation, stated that the meetings are confidential, so he can’t disclose details. He admitted that calming the rising tensions between rival factions has been quite challenging.

 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“You would know that as a part of confidentiality I will not be able to disclose what was discussed in mediation. To do so will be unethical on my part. The discourse in mediations is confidential. If it is the party to the mediation wants to divulge to you what took place in there that is on them. For me as the facilitator to come out and say what took place would not be right. You would know that in every mediation where tensions are high, even if you take a divorce mediation, a land mediation, there are going to be choice words. People are going to say things that ought not to be said, and it is the job of the mediator to apply his or her skills to defuse the tensions. I think we were able to defuse tension and regroup and at the end the mediation went well. Yes, tensions are extremely high in the city, and I would want to think you would agree, despite the tensions being high, our efforts are paying off so far. It is not easy.”

 

Reporter

“But the torching of the vehicle after mediation, is that not a message being sent?”

 

Chester Williams

“I cannot say because at this time we are not certain who torched the vehicle. You would know.”