The CRS offers assistance in two ways. First, in the reactive model, CRS personnel respond to requests for assistance made by individuals or organizations. Second, based on awareness of a potential conflict, CRS staff may take the initiative to offer assistance. In both cases, the criterion used to determine if CRS will provide assistance is whether the conflict falls under the agency's jurisdiction, that is, whether it involves allegations of discriminatory practices based on race, color, or national origin. CRS has developed a systematic way to evaluate racial tension in a community. The Distant Early Warning Signs system provides municipal leaders with 21 indicators for measuring tension in a community. CRS also provides training in several areas related to racial conflicts, including community-oriented policing, conflict resolution, communication, use of force, cultural awareness, community involvement, crisis assessment/response, self-marshaling, contingency planning, and rumor control. A case study of CRS operations is provided.