Who typically conducts investigations related to the deprivation of civil rights under color of law?

The investigation of civil rights violations under color of law is generally conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This responsibility stems from the FBI's role as a federal agency that investigates violations of federal statutes, including those concerning civil rights. Under Title 18, Section 242 of the U.S. Code, it is a crime for a person acting under color of law to deprive another person of their civil rights. The FBI has the jurisdiction and resources necessary to handle such cases, which can involve complex legal and procedural elements that often cross state lines.

While state police and local law enforcement agencies may handle certain civil rights-related matters at their level, they typically do not have the same jurisdiction or resources for federal civil rights violations. The Department of Justice may become involved in civil rights cases, particularly in terms of litigation or policy; however, direct investigations into allegations of civil rights abuses are primarily the responsibility of the FBI. Therefore, the FBI is the most appropriate agency for conducting these types of investigations.