In mediation, which of the following steps should NOT be taken by officers?

In mediation, officers play a neutral role aimed at facilitating communication and understanding between the parties involved in a dispute. When officers argue for a specific side that they agree with, it compromises their position of neutrality and undermines the mediation process. The essence of mediation is to allow all parties to express their viewpoints, negotiate potential compromises, and reach a mutually acceptable resolution without bias from the mediator.

By refraining from taking sides, officers help create a safe space for open dialogue, which is vital for effective mediation. The other steps, such as asking for responses and suggestions, finding areas of compromise, and conducting follow-ups, are constructive actions that support the mediation goal of fostering agreement among the parties. These practices encourage collaboration and ensure that each party feels heard, contributing to a more productive resolution process.