Department of Justice Announces Launch of Civil Rights Reporting Portal

RALEIGH, N.C. - United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces that the Department of Justice launched the Civil Rights Reporting Portal. This new online tool will make it easier for the public to report a civil rights violation.

“The department is committed to upholding the civil and constitutional rights of all people in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Reporting Portal will make it easier for the public to connect with us, which in turn makes us more effective at upholding these important rights. I encourage the public to use this portal to report civil rights violations.”

Mr. Higdon commented:  “One of the most important responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Justice is to ensure that all Americans are treated fairly and equally and in conformity with our constitutionally-protected civil rights.  But, in order to do that, we must have an open and effective dialogue with those who believe those rights may have been denied to them.  This new tool will, we believe, help us to more effectively act to protect those rights.  I urge everyone across the Eastern District to use this new tool whenever they believe their rights may have been denied.”

The new Civil Rights Reporting Portal – located at civilrights.justice.gov – will consolidate over 30 unique reporting pathways. The portal will dramatically ease the burden on victims of civil rights violations to identify the proper reporting channel. The form is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It is also available in both English and Spanish, with more languages to be added over the next year.

Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of civil rights violations should contact the department by visiting civilrights.justice.gov.  When appropriate, the Civil Rights Division staff will refer complainants to other agencies that are responsible for handling specific types of complaints. 

Individuals who believe they are a victim of criminal violation of their civil rights, such as misconduct by law enforcement officers, a hate crime, or human trafficking, should contact their local FBI office.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.