A federal court order issued Monday could mean a settlement by April 5 in the racial profiling lawsuit filed against Cincinnati that alleges decades of discrimination against blacks.

        “We're moving with a real tight time line now,” said Jay Rothman, president of Aria Group, a Yellow Springs-based conflict resolution firm leading the mediation.

        Negotiations must conclude by April 5, Mr. Rothman said.

        The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Susan Dlott, outlines a schedule that both parties in the lawsuit must meet:

        • By Feb. 19, both sides must conclude initial negotiations on the first collaborative goal: “Police officers and community members will become proactive partners in community problem-solving.”

        A series of five goals was adopted after Aria Group solicited input from 3,500 Greater Cincinnati residents — including police officers, youths and business leaders — on how to improve police-community relations.

        The goals are being used as the foundation of the settlement.

        • By Feb. 27, the parties will agree on a monitoring process if a settlement is reached.

        • By March 18, attorneys will present a draft settlement for approval to their respective parties.

        • And finally, by April 5, both parties in the lawsuit will either accept or reject the proposed settlement.

        The racial profiling lawsuit filed in March on behalf of businessman Bomani Tyehimba — and the motion to certify the case as a class-action — are on hold pending the outcome of the mediation.

        The parties hope the unprecedented mediation effort will lead to a historic agreement that will fundamentally change the relationship between police officers and community members.

        The settlement is expected to include specific plans, policies and procedures that — if agreed upon — will be monitored by the federal court.

        “The setting of the schedule is going to be very helpful in assuring our focus and success,” said Al Gerhardstein, one of the three lawyers who filed the federal lawsuit.

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