James Walker

LEPSL 580: Conflict Resolution

University of San Diego: Professional & Continuing Education

Conflict Resolution in a Group Setting

We are faced with an extremely challenging situation here at the San Diego Sheriffs

Department. Over the past few months we have been placed in a challenging situation that has

escalated to a point where four officers lives were lost. The situation has now evolved to a point

where members of our own department have begun questioning the decisions we have made in

the past. We have now convened as a committee to review a social media posting that a homicide

detective, Sharon, made about the loss of our officers. In her post, Sharon blasted the recent

policy change to remove white officers from our gang task force on her public Facebook. After

reviewing the situation with legal counsel it has become clear we need to review our social

media policy and ensure it protects the department and our employees while respecting their first

amendment right to free speech.

As a committee it is important that we unite behind the common goal of developing this

policy. Due to the level of division on this committee it will be beneficial to use three creative

problem solving techniques to conquer this task. The best way to start a meeting this divisive off

is to consult with critics, and those who will be affected by the problem or the solution in order

to obtain feedback. This approach will allow members of the department such as the Deputy

Sheriff's Association to voice their opinion while helping the members of this committee to

become more knowledgeable about the subject.

The second technique we will use is jointly generating options through brainstorming.

This technique is quite simple but it is imperative that the members of the committee develop a
potential list of solutions through a collaborative effort. In generating the list together it is my

hope that the committee can begin to iron out some of their differences.

The final technique will be to incorporate objections, disagreements, and concern into the

solution. Through compromise and reviewing potential areas of concern with the new policy we

should be able to mold a policy that is suitable to both the department and its employees. As a

suggestion I have developed the following policy to recommend to the committee:

The San Diego Sheriff's Department Personnel Division shall retain access to all official

social media accounts pertaining to department matters. Employees of the Sheriff's Department

shall be permitted to maintain social media accounts, but in order to ensure the official accounts

are not confused with personal account's, employees should ensure no nexus between their

personal life and employment. In the event a nexus is developed the employees opinions must

not reflect behavior unbecoming of the department.

Works Cited

1. Cloke, Ken, and Joan Goldsmith. Resolving conflicts at work: ten strategies for everyone

on the job. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2011. Print.