Frequently Asked Questions

 CRS is a separate unit within DOJ’s Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys. For over 60 years, CRS has been “America’s Peacemaker". Title X of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, established the CRS with the mandate to offer assistance to communities where “disputes, disagreements, or difficulties” threaten peaceful relations among the citizens of the community involved regarding discriminatory practices based on race, color, or national origin. CRS may respond to communities shaken by mass violence, civil disorder, and other critical incidents and offer neutral and impartial assistance through a variety of services (i.e., mediation, facilitated dialogues, training, and/or consultation).

CRS is not an investigatory or prosecutorial agency and has no law enforcement authority. CRS works with all parties to develop solutions to conflict and serves as a neutral, impartial party.

To accomplish its mission, CRS may provide a variety services (i.e., facilitated dialogue, mediation, training, and consultation). These services help communities enhance their ability to alleviate tension, resolve disputes, and prevent future conflicts more effectively. CRS’s services provide the community a place to discuss and confront issues underlying the conflict and tensions within their community.

CRS works in all 50 states and United States territories. It assists communities large, small, rural, suburban, and urban. CRS's services can be provided, as requested. In each incident, CRS first assesses the situation by determining what tensions or issues may be present in a community. After gaining an in-depth understanding of the situation, and establishing whether CRS has jurisdiction, CRS works with the parties to determine the actions or services necessary.

All CRS services are confidential and provided free of charge to the communities that voluntarily request or accept CRS’s assistance. 

Much of CRS’s work stems from requests by local law enforcement, community leaders, school administrators, civil rights organizations, religious and tribal leaders, government officials, and other local and state authorities.

Requests for CRS’s services can initiated by emailing: USAEO.AskCRS@usdoj.gov or calling 202-252-5550. On its own volition, CRS may also reach out to communities in conflict and offer services; however, communities may decline CRS's services at any time.