The Interdisciplinary Advisory Service for Local Action against Racism and Xenophobia in Norway provides complementary forms of expertise to municipalities and local agencies dealing with crises they do not know how to manage. This is achieved by developing an adequate analysis of the problem and ascertaining the significance of the challenges faced to give advice on possible responses and solutions. This process involves mapping local problems by describing their character, magnitude and severity and identifying the underlying social factors. Participants in this process include the police, relevant municipal departments, schools, voluntary organisations and representatives from the youth population.