The Michigan Department of Civil Rights has enhanced and accelerated its problem resolution process. Some of the more substantial improvements include:

• An emphasis on early resolution, so that concerns may be resolved quickly, efficiently, and with higher satisfaction for all parties involved.
• Customer concerns will now be resolved within 84 days of their first contact.
• The department is implementing and enforcing strict investigative time limits for responses during the resolution of complaints.
• MDCR colleagues are being cross-trained in investigation, education, and outreach techniques.
• Investigation reports are now prepared in an efficient scripted format. The format does not effect the investigation, but is simple to read and interpret.
• MDCR will implement a central 1-800 number that will automatically divert customer calls to their closest MDCR office.

Complementary to MDCR complaint resolution efforts, the department also offers:

• Written and spoken information - brochures, reports, information on civil rights.
• Educational speakers, training, crisis intervention, or other community outreach services.
• Referral to MDCR Business and Economics Services Team (BEST) for assistance with organizational planning to eliminate and prevent discrimination.
• Referral to the Michigan Alliance Against Hate Crime (MIAAHC) for support and advice in responding to hate crime situations.
• Referral to appropriate outside agencies for assistance.