Community Relations Service

Community Relations Service Welcome to the official CRS page, where you will find the latest news coverage and other information regarding our work. For over 60 years, The U.S.

Department of Justice Community Relations Service (CRS) has been “America’s Peacemaker.” CRS responds to communities experiencing conflict and violence to help restore peaceful relations. Guided by federal laws establishing jurisdictions, CRS assists communities through facilitated dialogue, mediation, training, and consultation to overcome differences and build the skills needed to prevent future

disputes. All CRS services are confidential and provided free of charge to the communities that voluntarily request or accept CRS’s assistance. 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. CRS works in all 50 states and the U.S. territories, and in communities large and small, rural, urban and suburban. CRS has five Regional Directors who supervise conflict resolution specialists (also called conciliation specialists) in field offices. These offices are strategically located throughout the country to meet the unique needs of the states and communities they serve. The Regional Directors are highly trained professional mediators, facilitators, trainers, and consultants who are experienced in bringing together communities in conflict to help them enhance their ability to independently prevent and resolve existing and future concerns. Regional Directors oversee the regional conflict resolution teams in the development of customized and proactive local solutions. The regional and field offices increase the availability of CRS services to rural communities and aid in rapid deployment during crises.

CRS is here to help communities promote and encourage public safety during demonstrations and events.
04/10/2025

CRS is here to help communities promote and encourage public safety during demonstrations and events.

CRS was there in Rapid River, ID in 1979 at an armed standoff between Nez Percé and state fish and game agents. Mediatin...
04/02/2025

CRS was there in Rapid River, ID in 1979 at an armed standoff between Nez Percé and state fish and game agents. Mediating a last-second redirection from violence, CRS facilitated dialogues that led to the establishment of a three-state institute on land jurisdiction. Photo: US DOE

When long-simmering tensions damage community cohesion, CRS offers structure for productive dialogue. Photo: DHS
03/25/2025

When long-simmering tensions damage community cohesion, CRS offers structure for productive dialogue. Photo: DHS

Confidentiality builds trust. CRS’s confidential processes encourage people to be transparent when discussing their need...
03/20/2025

Confidentiality builds trust. CRS’s confidential processes encourage people to be transparent when discussing their needs and to be open to exploring novel solutions.

CRS is here to help ensure community groups can express themselves while keeping themselves and their community safe. Ev...
03/11/2025

CRS is here to help ensure community groups can express themselves while keeping themselves and their community safe. Event Marshal and Contingency Planning training programs educate community leaders about key elements of safety when planning public events. Photo: LOC

More than a quarter of hate crimes reported by the FBI in 2023 occurred in the home. Such crimes can shatter a community...
03/07/2025

More than a quarter of hate crimes reported by the FBI in 2023 occurred in the home. Such crimes can shatter a community’s sense of security. CRS works with impacted communities to help restore their agency and plan for recovery and peace. Photo: FBI Media

12,355 hate crimes were reported by the FBI in 2023. Hate crimes can tear communities apart. CRS can provide a space for...
03/03/2025

12,355 hate crimes were reported by the FBI in 2023. Hate crimes can tear communities apart. CRS can provide a space for communities to bridge these gaps. Photo: FBI Media

Peacemaking begins with participation. When communities experience tensions, CRS works to identify and include all relev...
02/27/2025

Peacemaking begins with participation. When communities experience tensions, CRS works to identify and include all relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable approaches to peace.

As it celebrates countless American heroes, Black History Month honors leaders who highlighted and navigated tensions to...
02/25/2025

As it celebrates countless American heroes, Black History Month honors leaders who highlighted and navigated tensions to foster community.

In every element of our work, CRS strives to honor the legacy left by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his service to the...
01/20/2025

In every element of our work, CRS strives to honor the legacy left by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his service to the vision of a beloved community. Photo: Library of Congress

Address

145 N Street, NE
Washington D.C., DC
20530

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12023052935

Website

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