(a) A Special Prosecutor shall enforce the provisions designated in this chapter, provided that before instituting criminal proceedings he shall attempt, by informal methods of persuasion and conciliation, to induce compliance with this chapter.
(b) Whenever it is charged in writing and under oath by a person, that any person has engaged or is engaged in unlawful discriminatory practices, the Special Prosecutor shall initiate a preliminary investigation. Such charge shall be filed with the Special Prosecutor within 360 days after the alleged discriminatory practices are committed. If the Special Prosecutor determines after such investigation that it is not probable that unlawful discriminatory practices have been or are being engaged in, he shall notify the complainant that he has so determined and that he will not issue a compliant in the matter.
(c) If the Special Prosecutor determines after such investigation that it is probable that unlawful discriminatory practices have been or are being engaged in, he shall endeavor to eliminate such practices by informal methods of conference, conciliation and persuasion. No statements, action or other evidence discovered during conference, conciliation and persuasion endeavors shall be disclosed or be used as evidence in any subsequent proceeding.
(d) The terms of conciliation agreed to by the parties may be reduced to writing and incorporated into a consent agreement to be signed by the parties, which agreement is for conciliation purposes only and does not constitute an admission by any party that the law has been violated. Consent agreements may be signed on behalf of the City by the Special Prosecutor.
(e) If the Special Prosecutor fails to effect the elimination of such unlawful discriminatory practices and to obtain voluntary compliance with this chapter, the Special Prosecutor shall initiate legal action if in his judgment the evidence is sufficient.
(f) The Special Prosecutor is authorized and empowered to seek the cooperation and assistance of one or more federal, state, or local agencies at any time during the handling of a complaint as he determines appropriate.
(Ord. 2013-2. Passed 1-7-13.)