NCJ Number
206245
Date Published
2004
Length
58 pages
Annotation
This report describes the Community Relations Services’ (CRS) conflict prevention and resolution activities for Fiscal Year 2003.
Abstract
The CRS is a mediation and conciliation service of the Department of Justice that helps to prevent and resolve community conflicts based on race, color, and national origin. During Fiscal Year 2003, CRS mediators continued to assist individuals with post-September 11th concerns. More than 250 community meetings, forums, and seminars were convened to address the concerns of the Arab, Muslim, and Sikh communities within the United States. Additionally, a series of “Train the Trainer” programs were initiated by CRS to provide continued information to local community leaders and law enforcement agencies. Overall in Fiscal Year 2003, 1,281 racial/ethnic conflict resolution cases were conducted by CRS across the country. Approximately 50 percent of CRS’ case work in Fiscal Year 2003 involved racial conflicts spurred by administration of justice or police-community relations issues. Other Fiscal Year 2003 highlights include work related to anti-hate activities, protests and special events, immigrant communities, schools and colleges, and church burnings and attacks on houses of worship. A series of charts present racial conflicts by issues, including administration of justice, educational, and general community relations issues. Management and budget information is presented; a total of $9.412 million was appropriated in Fiscal Year 2003. CRS mission and critical functions are enumerated and include violence reduction and improvement of law enforcement and local minority community relations. Next, the conflict resolution and prevention services offered by CRS are described and case profiles are presented of CRS interventions in Maine, Michigan, California, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and New Jersey. Finally, a series of regional reports presents narrative information on CRS activities around the Nation. Charts, map, glossary