Jeffco Sheriff: Mediation Services - A Better Way

From its inception more than ten years ago, the dedicated professionals at Jefferson County Mediation Services (JCMS) have been an exceptional resource in providing effective conflict resolution for the Sheriff's Office and the citizens we serve. Mediation's sole purpose is conflict management and resolution.

Conflict begins when people believe they have incompatible interests, values or needs. In most situations, the subjects involved in the conflict or dispute are not aware that they are creating a nuisance. Calling law enforcement or filing a law suit often does not have to be the first course of action.

A good first step can be for the parties involved to have a face-to-face conversation. If that fails, there are several other steps to take. First you should research whether you have legal standing in the dispute. Obtain a copy of your local ordinances, governing documents, or if you live in an area regulated by a homeowner's association, research the bylaws. Make a copy of the document(s) and provide it to the other party while explaining that you would like to resolve things without going to the authorities.

It is not unheard of for neighbors to retaliate by escalating the situation. That may be the time to call law enforcement. The Sheriff's Office will respond to these types of complaints and educate the offending person about ordinance violations. We have found that a referral to mediation often can be a successful course of action. Mediation is less expensive and less threatening than court action. Mediators do not give opinions or make rulings, and have no stake in the outcome. This gives the negotiating parties a safe environment where all concerns, interests, information and ideas can be heard.

Mediation services are confidential, impartial, cost-free, time saving, and informal. Once you have contacted the Sheriff's Office or another county agency, ask that your case be referred to mediation. You can also complete a case referral form yourself. Once all parties agree to mediation, the mediators will arrange a convenient time to meet - days, evenings, or weekends. Initial mediations are usually held in the JCMS offices in Golden and typically last two to three hours. When the parties involved reach an agreement, it is documented and signed or perhaps the agreement is to keep the proceedings confidential.

In 2015, the Sheriff's Office referred more than 20 residents to mediation for noise complaints, property issues, consumer complaints, landlord-tenant issues, truancy concerns, parent-teacher relationships, substance abuse, aging parents and parent-teen conflicts. JCMS also helped 16 residents negotiate resolutions to nuisances related to barking dogs, dogs at large, and other animal-related disputes.

Along with Jefferson County Mediation Services the Sheriff's Office will continue to promote peaceful conflict resolution in Jefferson County. To get started, or to learn more about JCMS visit www.JeffcoMediation.com or call 303-271-4840.

The monthly "Behind the Badge" column is written on or before the 20th of each month by Sheriff Jeff Shrader of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, in Colorado. It features information and tips for local residents regarding crime prevention, crime trends, public safety and quality-of-life issues. Please contact us with questions or comments at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Jeff Shrader is sheriff of Jefferson County. He leads the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the largest full-service sheriff's office in Colorado.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is committed to the principles of community policing through education, partnership, analysis and enforcement.