Cincinnati city employees say increasing diversity within the police division, boosting support of officers and improving accountability will promote better police-community relations.

        Aria Group, a Yellow Springs, Ohio-based conflict resolution firm, collected ideas in more than 190 surveys filled out by city employees and officials.

        These surveys, along with thousands of others, are the first step in a mediation effort to end a federal racial profiling lawsuit filed against the city in March.

        Today, about 25 city employees who filled out surveys will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the water works department for a feedback session. Participants will rank a set of goals.

        “I'm very concerned about the relationship between the police division and the community,” City Manager John Shirey said of his participation in the mediation process. “It's one of the things that's keeping this community divided.

        “I'm hoping there are some concrete suggestions about how we can go about improving the police division in its role as the protector of this city.”

        The Aria Group identified city employees and officials as one of eight “identity” groups from which the firm wants to gain input on how to improve police-community relations.

        Feedback sessions for three other groups — African-Americans, religious and social service agencies, and youth — have already been held.

        All of this input — including the 3,412 surveys collected so far — will eventually become part of a settlement to be presented to a federal judge in December.

        Mark Menkhaus, 44, is a senior administrative specialist in the water works department. He plans to attend today's session.

        Enhancing support for officers and increasing accountability go hand-in-hand, he said. But promoting respect for authority is also important.

        “There needs to be real, honest conversation and say, "We will enforce the law and here is what it is,'” Mr. Menkhaus said.

        But at the same time, “If you have (an officer) who misuses that trust, you must immediately yank them out of there.”

        This response group tended to focus on the police division and what strides it should make.

        “Clearly there are a lot of people that have followed the process and have been able to focus some of their thoughts,” said Aria spokeswoman Brooke Hill. “That has allowed some of their responses to become a little more focused on desired outcomes.”

        Aria expects participants' goals to become even more directed as sessions for the remaining groups approach. Those sessions will be for police officers, white citizens, other minorities, and foundation and business leaders.

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