CRS Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CRS has adjusted its normal operations to balance the need of completing its mission as effectively and efficiently as possible while also adhering to the recommended social distancing guidelines for the safety of our staff. As a result, you may experience a delay in receiving an initial acknowledgment as well as a substantive response to your FOIA request or appeal. We will be able to acknowledge requests made electronically more quickly than by mail. You may reach out to our FOIA Coordinator if you have any questions about your request. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and patience.

*If you are submitting a FOIA request via this website, please include an email address to which the FOIA/PA Coordinator may respond.

** To check on the status of a CRS FOIA request, please call 202.353.1806.

FOIA Library:

The FOIA Library includes frequently requested records, opinions, policy statements, and staff manuals/instructions to staff, created by Community Relations Service after November 1, 1996.

Component Description:

The Community Relations Service (CRS) serves as “America’s Peacemaker” for communities facing conflict based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. CRS works toward its mission by providing facilitated dialogue, mediation, training, and consultation to help these communities come together, develop solutions to the conflict, and enhance their capacity to independently prevent and resolve future conflict.

Our services are confidential and free of cost. We do not investigate or prosecute, nor do we have any law enforcement authority. We work with all parties to develop solutions to conflict and serve as a neutral party.

DOJ Reference Guide:

The DOJ Reference Guide is a comprehensive guide to the FOIA that serves as a handbook for obtaining information from the Department. Furthermore, FOIA.gov provides additional details about the FOIA, including a description of the FOIA's Exemptions and Exclusions.

The Department of Justice FOIA Regulations:
DOJ FOIA Regulations

Special information required to make a FOIA request:
None

Publicly available information for which a FOIA request is not required:
Annual reports, CRS Strategic Plans, general information on conflict resolution and related CRS work.
Publicly disseminated CRS publications can be found on the CRS Resource Center webpage.

Major Information Systems:
Community Relations Service Information System