U.S. Attorney Keefe Encourages North Floridians To Use New Online Portal To Report Civil Rights Violations

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe today encouraged residents across
the Northern District of Florida to utilize a new Department of Justice online portal to report
potential violations of individuals’ civil rights. The nationwide Civil Rights Reporting Portal,
unveiled this week, will make it easier for the public to report civil rights violations by
eliminating confusion over how Americans should report violations.

“Until now, there have been more than 30 different pathways for citizens to report suspected civil
rights violations, and this new tool will ease the burden on victims to identify the proper
reporting channel,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe, who oversees activities in the 23 counties of the
Northern District of Florida. “The Department of Justice is committed to upholding the civil rights
of every person, and making it easier for the public to report suspected violations will in turn
make it easier for us to pursue cases.”

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

Individuals who believe they may have been a victim of a civil rights violation can learn how to
report violations to 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.

The Department of Justice has an entire division dedicated to defending civil rights   nd pursuing
violations, and Keefe’s office has attorneys working with the Civil Rights Division.

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 United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that
serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access
available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorne  ’s Office for
the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.