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The United States Department of Justice handles everything from federal crime investigations to civil rights violations. With over 117,000 employees across more than 40 specialized offices, knowing where to direct your inquiry can save time and ensure proper handling.
This guide breaks down how to reach the right DOJ office for your specific need, whether you’re reporting a crime, filing a complaint, requesting records, or seeking general information.
Understanding the Department of Justice
The DOJ serves as the nation’s primary federal law enforcement agency. Established in 1870, it operates with a $44 billion annual budget and maintains offices nationwide. The Attorney General leads the department as a Cabinet-level official nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
The department’s mission centers on enforcing federal law, ensuring public safety, preventing crime, prosecuting lawbreakers, and administering justice fairly. This massive scope requires a complex organizational structure that directly impacts how citizens should contact different offices.
Key Operating Principle: Federal vs Local Jurisdiction
The DOJ enforces federal laws, not state or local violations. Most crimes—theft, assault, burglary, domestic disputes—fall under state and local jurisdiction. Contact your local police first for these issues. Federal agencies handle crimes that cross state lines, involve federal agencies, or violate specific federal statutes like terrorism, espionage, large-scale drug trafficking, human trafficking, complex fraud, cybercrime, and civil rights violations.
For all emergencies and immediate threats, call 911 first. Local emergency services provide the fastest response.
DOJ Organizational Structure
The department operates through three main categories:
Leadership Offices oversee department-wide policies and operations:
- Office of the Attorney General
- Office of the Deputy Attorney General
- Office of the Associate Attorney General
Litigating Divisions serve as the federal government’s lawyers:
- Antitrust Division (economic competition, antitrust violations)
- Civil Division (broad civil litigation protecting federal interests)
- Civil Rights Division (discrimination enforcement)
- Criminal Division (federal criminal law enforcement)
- Environment and Natural Resources Division (environmental law)
- National Security Division (national security threats)
- Tax Division (tax law enforcement)
Law Enforcement Bureaus conduct investigations:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- U.S. Marshals Service
- Federal Bureau of Prisons
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices provide local federal prosecution in 94 judicial districts nationwide.
General Contact Information
For general questions, comments on policies, or when you’re unsure which specific office handles your issue, several central channels exist. These methods work best for non-urgent administrative matters, not crime reporting or legal emergencies.
Quick Reference Table
| Reason for Contact | Primary Method | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| General Comment or Question | Online Form | DOJ Message Form |
| Report Federal Crime Tip | Phone Hotline | 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) |
| Civil Rights Violation | Online Portal | Civil Rights Reporting |
| Media Inquiry | Phone | 202-514-2007 |
| FBI Records (FOIA) | eFOIPA Portal | FBI FOIA Portal |
Main Contact Methods
Mailing Address: U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
Phone Numbers:
- Main Switchboard: 202-514-2000
- Department Comment Line: 202-353-1555
- TTY/TDD (Hearing Impaired): 800-877-8339
Online Message Form
The DOJ’s online message form serves as a digital routing system. The form directs messages to appropriate internal offices based on topic selection.
When using this form:
- Choose the most specific topic from the dropdown menu
- State your intended recipient at the message beginning if known
- Provide clear, concise details within the character limit
- Review the Privacy Act Statement before submitting
The form allows anonymous submissions, but without contact information, the department cannot respond to your message.
Reporting Federal Crimes
The DOJ maintains multiple specialized channels for crime reporting. Choosing the correct channel ensures information reaches proper investigators quickly.
FBI: Primary Federal Contact
The FBI handles most federal crime reports and serves as a central intake point. When uncertain which agency to contact about potential federal crimes, the FBI provides a reliable first contact.
National Tip Line: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
Available 24/7 for suspected federal law violations.
Online Tip Form: FBI Tips Portal
The most efficient method for non-urgent tips. Allows detailed information, file uploads, and anonymous submissions.
Local FBI Field Offices: Direct contact for regionally-specific crimes. See the field office directory below.
Federal Crime Reporting Directory
| Crime Type | Primary Agency | Phone Number | Online Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrorism/National Security | FBI | 1-800-CALL-FBI | FBI Tips |
| Human Trafficking | National Hotline | 888-373-7888 | Trafficking Hotline |
| Cyber Crime/Internet Fraud | IC3 (FBI) | N/A | IC3 Portal |
| Elder Fraud | National Hotline | 833-FRAUD-11 | Elder Fraud Info |
| Firearms/Explosives/Arson | ATF | 888-ATF-TIPS | ATF ReportIt App |
| Drug Trafficking | DEA | Local DEA Office | DEA Tip Form |
| Antitrust Violations | Antitrust Division | 888-647-3258 | Antitrust Portal |
| Hate Crimes | FBI/Local Police | 1-800-CALL-FBI | FBI Tips |
| Disaster Fraud | NCDF | 866-720-5721 | Disaster Fraud Form |
| Government Fraud | Agency OIG/FBI | Varies | Whistleblower Portal |
| Child Exploitation | NCMEC/FBI | 800-THE-LOST | CyberTip Portal |
| Public Corruption | FBI | Local FBI Office | FBI Tips |
Specialized Reporting Details
Antitrust Violations
Report price fixing, bid rigging, or anti-competitive practices to the Antitrust Division Citizen Complaint Center at 888-647-3258.
Civil Rights Violations and Hate Crimes
Report to both local police and the FBI. Use the FBI’s online tip form or call your local FBI office. For broader civil rights complaints, use the Civil Rights Reporting Portal detailed in the next section.
Computer and Internet Crime
Report all cyber-enabled crime including hacking, business email compromise, ransomware, and online scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). IC3 serves as the central hub for cybercrime complaints.
ATF-Related Crimes
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigates federal crimes in these areas. Submit anonymous tips through the ReportIt website or mobile app.
Specialized ATF hotlines:
- Arson: 888-ATF-FIRE (888-283-3473)
- Bombs/Explosives: 888-ATF-BOMB (888-283-2662)
- Illegal Firearms: 800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867)
Drug-Related Crime
The DEA leads federal drug law enforcement. Submit tips through DEA’s online form or contact your local DEA office. For illegal prescription drug sales, suspicious online pharmacies, or criminals posing as DEA agents, call 877-RxAbuse (877-792-2873).
Fraud Types
- Disaster Fraud: Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721
- Elder Fraud: Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 for assistance
- Government Fraud: Notify the relevant agency’s Office of Inspector General or report to the FBI
Human Trafficking
This represents a DOJ priority. Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Available 24/7, confidential, with services in over 200 languages.
Terrorism
Report all suspected terrorism or national security threats immediately to the FBI through their online tip form or 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Filing Civil Rights Complaints
The Civil Rights Division enforces federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, familial status, and other protected characteristics. The division provides a formal complaint process for rights violations.
What Constitutes a Civil Rights Violation
Common violations include:
Law Enforcement Misconduct: Excessive force patterns, discriminatory policing, unlawful stops/searches, unconstitutional jail/prison conditions.
Housing Discrimination: Denial of rental/purchase opportunities, different terms/conditions, harassment based on protected characteristics.
Workplace Discrimination: Firing, non-hiring, harassment, or demotion by government employers for reasons unrelated to job performance.
Disability Rights Violations: Public entities or businesses failing to provide required accessibility or reasonable accommodations.
Education Discrimination: Harassment or discrimination at public schools/universities based on protected characteristics.
Voting Rights Infringements: Actions restricting voting participation, discriminatory registration practices, polling place intimidation.
How to File a Complaint
Gather Required Information:
- Names and contact information of discriminating parties
- Specific incident dates
- Location details (address, city, state)
- Detailed, chronological description
- Witness names and contact information
- Supporting documents (letters, emails, photos, reports, medical records)
File Online (Preferred):
The Civil Rights Reporting Portal provides the fastest, most direct submission method. The 7-step process requests contact information (optional), concern type, incident location, relevant personal characteristics, incident date, and detailed description.
File by Mail:
Send a written complaint containing all gathered information to:
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20530
Phone Contact:
For process questions or assistance: 202-514-3847 or toll-free 1-855-856-1247. TTY: 202-514-0716. Note: Formal complaints cannot be filed by phone.
After Filing
Review Process: Specialized teams review complaints to determine jurisdiction and sufficiency of information.
Possible Outcomes:
- Request for additional information
- Formal investigation or mediation initiation
- Referral to other agencies with jurisdiction
- Notification that the division cannot assist
Response Time: Due to high complaint volume, initial responses may take several weeks. Active investigations may not receive status updates.
Anonymous Complaints: While possible, anonymous submissions significantly limit investigation capabilities since the division cannot contact you for follow-up information.
Local DOJ and FBI Offices
The DOJ operates nationwide through local offices that often provide more direct, effective contact for regional issues.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices
The 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices serve as front-line federal law enforcement in local communities. Each office handles criminal prosecutions, civil cases, and debt collection for their judicial district.
Contact your local U.S. Attorney’s Office for:
- Federal court case information
- Victim/witness services
- Local federal law enforcement initiatives
Find your local office through the DOJ’s searchable directory.
FBI Field Offices
The FBI operates 56 main field offices in major cities plus hundreds of smaller resident agencies. Local offices often handle regional crime reports more effectively than national hotlines.
FBI Field Office Directory
| City/Office | States Covered | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | NY, VT | 200 McCarty Avenue, Albany, NY 12209 | (518) 465-7551 |
| Albuquerque | NM | 4200 Luecking Park Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 | (505) 889-1300 |
| Anchorage | AK | 101 East Sixth Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501 | (907) 276-4441 |
| Atlanta | GA | 3000 Flowers Road S, Atlanta, GA 30341 | (770) 216-3000 |
| Baltimore | MD, DE | 2600 Lord Baltimore Drive, Baltimore, MD 21244 | (410) 265-8080 |
| Birmingham | AL | 1000 18th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203 | (205) 326-6166 |
| Boston | MA, ME, NH, RI | 201 Maple Street, Chelsea, MA 02150 | (857) 386-2000 |
| Buffalo | NY | One FBI Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202 | (716) 856-7800 |
| Charlotte | NC | 7915 Microsoft Way, Charlotte, NC 28273 | (704) 672-6100 |
| Chicago | IL | 2111 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608 | (312) 421-6700 |
| Cincinnati | OH | 2012 Ronald Reagan Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45236 | (513) 421-4310 |
| Cleveland | OH | 1501 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 | (216) 522-1400 |
| Columbia | SC | 222 Caughman Farm Lane, Lexington, SC 29072 | (803) 551-4200 |
| Dallas | TX | One Justice Way, Dallas, TX 75220 | (972) 559-5000 |
| Denver | CO, WY | 8000 East 36th Avenue, Denver, CO 80238 | (303) 629-7171 |
| Detroit | MI | 477 Michigan Avenue, 26th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226 | (313) 965-2323 |
| El Paso | TX | 660 South Mesa Hills Drive, El Paso, TX 79912 | (915) 832-5000 |
| Honolulu | HI, Guam, CNMI, American Samoa | 91-1300 Enterprise Street, Kapolei, HI 96707 | (808) 566-4300 |
| Houston | TX | 1 Justice Park Drive, Houston, TX 77092 | (713) 693-5000 |
| Indianapolis | IN | 8825 Nelson B Klein Pkwy, Indianapolis, IN 46250 | (317) 595-4000 |
| Jackson | MS | 1220 Echelon Parkway, Jackson, MS 39213 | (601) 948-5000 |
| Jacksonville | FL | 6061 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256 | (904) 248-7000 |
| Kansas City | MO, KS | 11180 NW Prairie View Road, Kansas City, MO 64153 | (816) 512-8200 |
| Las Vegas | NV | 1787 West Lake Mead Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89106 | (702) 385-1281 |
| Little Rock | AR | 24 Shackleford West Boulevard, Little Rock, AR 72211 | (501) 221-9100 |
| Los Angeles | CA | 11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1700, Los Angeles, CA 90024 | (310) 477-6565 |
| Louisville | KY | 12401 Sycamore Station Place, Louisville, KY 40299 | (502) 263-6000 |
| Miami | FL | 2030 SW 145th Avenue, Miramar, FL 33027 | (754) 703-2000 |
| Milwaukee | WI | 3600 S. Lake Drive, St. Francis, WI 53235 | (414) 276-4684 |
| Minneapolis | MN, ND, SD | 1501 Freeway Boulevard, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 | (763) 569-8000 |
| Mobile | AL | 200 North Royal Street, Mobile, AL 36602 | (251) 438-3674 |
| Nashville | TN | 2868 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214 | (615) 232-7500 |
| New Haven | CT | 600 State Street, New Haven, CT 06511 | (203) 777-6311 |
| New Orleans | LA | 2901 Leon C. Simon Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70126 | (504) 816-3000 |
| New York | NY | 26 Federal Plaza, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10278 | (212) 384-1000 |
| Newark | NJ | Claremont Tower, 11 Centre Place, Newark, NJ 07102 | (973) 792-3000 |
| Norfolk | VA | 509 Resource Row, Chesapeake, VA 23320 | (757) 455-0100 |
| Oklahoma City | OK | 3301 West Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73134 | (405) 290-7770 |
| Omaha | NE, IA | 4411 South 121st Court, Omaha, NE 68137 | (402) 493-8688 |
| Philadelphia | PA, NJ | 600 Arch Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106 | (215) 418-4000 |
| Phoenix | AZ | 21711 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85024 | (623) 466-1999 |
| Pittsburgh | PA, WV | 3311 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 | (412) 432-4000 |
| Portland | OR | 9109 NE Cascades Parkway, Portland, OR 97220 | (503) 224-4181 |
| Richmond | VA | 1970 East Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228 | (804) 261-1044 |
| Sacramento | CA | 2001 Freedom Way, Roseville, CA 95678 | (916) 746-7000 |
| Salt Lake City | UT, ID, MT | 5425 West Amelia Earhart Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 | (801) 579-1400 |
| San Antonio | TX | 5740 University Heights Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78249 | (210) 225-6741 |
| San Diego | CA | 10385 Vista Sorrento Parkway, San Diego, CA 92121 | (858) 320-1800 |
| San Francisco | CA | 450 Golden Gate Avenue, 13th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102 | (415) 553-7400 |
| San Juan | PR, USVI | 140 Carlos Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, PR 00918 | (787) 987-6500 |
| Seattle | WA | 1110 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 | (206) 622-0460 |
| Springfield | IL | 900 East Linton Avenue, Springfield, IL 62703 | (217) 522-9675 |
| St. Louis | MO | 2222 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 | (314) 589-2500 |
| Tampa | FL | 5525 West Gray Street, Tampa, FL 33609 | (813) 253-1000 |
| Washington | DC, VA | 601 4th Street NW, Washington, DC 20535 | (202) 278-2000 |
Requesting Records Through FOIA
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act provide public access to government records. The DOJ maintains specific procedures that must be followed precisely due to legal requirements protecting personal information.
Understanding Your Rights
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): Allows any person to request records from federal agencies. Commonly used for information about government activities, organizations, investigations, historical events, or deceased persons.
Privacy Act: Gives U.S. citizens and permanent residents the right to access their own records held by federal agencies and request corrections to inaccurate information.
FBI Records Requests
Online (Preferred): The FBI’s eFOIPA portal allows electronic submission, status tracking, and document delivery.
By Mail:
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Attn: Record/Information Dissemination Section
200 Constitution Drive
Winchester, VA 22602
Required Information
For All Requests:
- Your full name and mailing address
- Clear, detailed description of requested records
- As much identifying information as possible (subject’s full name, aliases, birth date/place, Social Security number, former addresses)
- For specific incidents, provide detailed descriptions
Identity Verification (Critical):
Complete U.S. Department of Justice Certification of Identity Form DOJ-361. This signed statement under penalty of perjury verifies your identity—a non-negotiable legal requirement.
Requesting Records on Others:
- Living Person: Requires their explicit written consent on the “Authorization to Release Information” section of Form DOJ-361
- Deceased Person: Must provide proof of death (death certificate, obituary, or Social Security Death Index page)
Other DOJ Component Records
General DOJ Records: The main DOJ FOIA website provides contact directories for all components.
Office of Justice Programs Records: Use the dedicated OJP FOIA portal for submissions and tracking.
Specialized Contacts
Media Inquiries
The Office of Public Affairs serves as the principal media contact point.
Direct Line: 202-514-2007 (business hours: 9 AM – 6 PM ET, Monday-Friday)
After-Hours: Call the main switchboard at 202-514-2000 and request the public affairs night duty officer.
Online: Media Inquiries Form (checked frequently during business hours)
Grant Applicants and Recipients
The DOJ awards billions in grants annually through various components. All applications and award management use the JustGrants system.
JustGrants Support (OJP and COPS applicants/recipients):
- Phone: 833-872-5175
- Email: [email protected]
OVW JustGrants Support (Office on Violence Against Women applicants/recipients):
- Phone: 866-655-4482
- Email: [email protected]
Other Divisions and Offices
For components not specifically covered—Tax Division, Environment and Natural Resources Division, Office of the Pardon Attorney, U.S. Trustee Program—use the DOJ’s A-to-Z directory for comprehensive contact information.
Best Practices for Effective Contact
Before You Contact
Identify the Right Office: Review this guide to determine which specific component handles your issue. Contacting the wrong office delays response and may prevent proper handling.
Gather Information: Collect all relevant details, documents, and contact information before reaching out.
Check Local vs Federal Jurisdiction: Ensure your issue falls under federal law. Most crimes are handled by local/state authorities.
When Contacting
Be Specific: Provide clear, detailed information about your issue, including dates, locations, and parties involved.
Use Appropriate Channels: Emergency situations require 911, not email forms or regular phone lines.
Follow Up Appropriately: Allow reasonable response time before following up. Different types of contact have different expected response times.
Keep Records: Maintain copies of all correspondence and note phone call details.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Response Times Vary: General inquiries may take weeks for response. Crime tips receive faster handling. FOIA requests can take months.
Not All Issues Merit Response: Some correspondence serves as information intake rather than requesting individual responses.
Federal Scope Limitations: The DOJ cannot intervene in purely local matters or provide legal advice to private individuals.
The Department of Justice’s vast scope and complex structure require understanding which office handles your specific need. This guide provides the roadmap for effective contact, but success depends on using the right channel for your particular situation. Whether reporting federal crimes, filing civil rights complaints, or requesting government records, following these specific procedures ensures your communication reaches the appropriate office and receives proper handling.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
