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Serving Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Serving Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

CRS supports communities working to prevent and respond to COVID-19 related bias incidents and hate crimes. During times of social distancing, CRS’s team of conciliation specialists are available virtually and by phone to serve communities in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

CRS Virtual Services

CRS virtual services include consultation, facilitated community dialogues and meetings, and educational webinars that can provide information to community groups and other stakeholders about hate crimes reporting procedures and resources, and can support the development of action plans focused on bias incidents and hate crimes prevention and response. Additional services include training, consultation, and mediation.

CRS provides educational forums that can be conducted as webinars to allow information to be shared with large numbers of stakeholders simultaneously:

  • The Bias Incidents and Hate Crimes Forum, facilitated by CRS, convenes local and federal law enforcement and community-based organizations in discussions to share approaches to prevent and respond to bias incidents and hate crimes. This forum also facilitates the exchange of information and strengthen relationships between stakeholders.
  • The Protecting Places of Worship Forum offers best practices to help communities protect places of worship against potential threats. The forum convenes local, state, and federal law enforcement officials and faith-based organizations in a dialogue to provide information and resources related to hate crime laws, active shooter situations, and physical security at religious buildings.

Contact CRS

To contact CRS, please send an email to askCRS@usdoj.gov. Please note in your email the state or U.S. territory where you reside or want services. CRS conciliation specialists are located in 10 regional offices and four field offices across the country. 

More Information

 

Serving Communities during the COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF)
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Working with the Community Relations Service (CRS) during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
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CRS COVID-19 Pandemic Infographic (PDF)
COVID-19
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CRS Supports Communities Experiencing COVID-19 Related Tensions and Conflicts (Highlight article)
Updated February 22, 2023