Dispute Resolution


Community Dispute Resolution

The Department promotes the use of community dispute resolution in a variety of community settings and coordinates a range of conflict resolution activities. Community dispute resolution uses a problem-solving approach to resolve conflict and seeks to teach young people and professionals the skills of getting along. The Department supports community dispute resolution practice and research which has developed within school systems, law enforcement agencies, criminal justice institutions, and communities. The goals are to foster mutual respect between police and communities, to provide young people with the skills to resolve arguments peacefully, to encourage partnerships that build on diversity, to prevent crimes of hate and bias, to offer victim-offender and community mediation, and to engage greater citizen participation in local decision-making. Learn more about these resources by visiting the Community Dispute Resolution site.

Get Help for Your Community

The Community Relations Service (CRS) is the Department's "peacemaker" for community conflicts and tensions arising from differences of race, color, and national origin. CRS helps local communities resolve serious racial and ethnic conflicts. Its services are provided to local officials and leaders by trained federal mediators on a voluntary and cost-free basis. The kinds of assistance available from CRS include mediation of disputes and conflicts, training in conflict resolution skills, and help in developing ways to prevent and resolve conflicts. Contact your CRS regional office for help in your community.