Shaphan Roberts

Adjunct Professor

Straus Institute, Caruso School of Law

Biography

Dr. Shaphan Roberts currently serves as the Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives and Global Expansion, building upon his extensive experience in dispute resolution and community engagement. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University, where he earned his MBA through the prestigious PKE program.

Previously, Roberts held the position of Director for the Los Angeles City Attorney's Dispute Resolution Program, where he managed all programmatic aspects, including community mediation and the Community Police Unification (CPU) Program. His role involved coordinating with public and private alternative dispute resolution programs, as well as federal, state, and local agencies.

Roberts' expertise extends to conflict management, de-escalation, and cross-cultural communication. He has been instrumental in training city departments and community organizations in these areas. His leadership was particularly evident in mid-2020 when he advised the Los Angeles City Attorney in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd. Roberts was instrumental in designing, developing, and organizing city-wide conversations between protesters and police officers following the city wide protests.

A significant achievement in Roberts' career was leading an inter-agency collaboration between the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office and the Los Angeles Police Department to develop and implement the CPU Program. This award-winning community-police mediation program aims to improve understanding between law enforcement and the community. Roberts also spearheaded the design of the program's Responsivity Tool, which aids in matching mediators with mediation participants.

In his current role as Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives and Global Expansion, Roberts continues to lead with passion, advising city and state municipalities across the country on police reform and community relations. His work supports efforts to address constituents' concerns related to the rise of hate and bullying, lack of trust in police-community relations, and the need for greater engagement with clergy and other community stakeholders.

Roberts' transition to this new position underscores his growing influence and expertise in dispute resolution and community engagement on a global scale, while maintaining his commitment to fostering better understanding and communication between diverse groups.