Universe and Respondent Selection
The universe for each of our survey types are as follows: 1) 2,341 prosecutor offices; 2) 17, 570 law enforcement agencies; and 3) 135 labs. The prosecutor universe is based on BJS’s 2001 National Survey of Prosecutors while the law enforcement agency universe is based on the electronic directory of the National Directory of Law Enforcement Administrators and also includes the State and local agencies with a specific geographic jurisdiction or special enforcement responsibilities. The crime lab universe consists of all forensic DNA crime laboratories located within each study jurisdiction and comparison communities.
The sample will include all grantees, together with a comparison sample of law enforcement agencies, laboratories, and prosecutors’ offices from jurisdictions that have not received grants. For efficiency in sampling and analysis, and to maximize the power to detect differences, there will be a select comparison sample of the same size as the grantee sample (approximately 90-100 locations), using matching for major characteristics. In some sites, it will be necessary to sample agencies and/or individuals within agencies given the size of the jurisdiction(s) represented by the grant. In these cases, stratified sampling will be used. Sample sizes for each group are as follows:
Law Enforcement: 200
Prosecutors: 200
Laboratory Personnel: 135
2. Procedures for Collecting Information
The administration of surveys will primarily be through the web, using a secure web-based system and e-mail. For those surveys that are mailed, respondents’ addresses and pertinent mailing information will be confirmed prior to the mailing.
3. Methods to Maximize Response
In order to maximize response rates, NIJ will employ practices that are known to be successful for non-response follow-up. The surveys will be plain and created to load quickly so that the highest response rates can be achieved. Also, web-based respondents will not be asked for information which may identify them; they will receive a pre-assigned Personal Identification Number (PIN) for immediate access.
Non-respondents will receive follow up contact via letter, telephone, and/or fax.
4. Testing of Procedures
To date, the instruments have not been pre-tested. Based on the vast experience of our subcontractors: APRI, PERF, and SAL, it is expected that they will be able to identify a small, stratified sample for pre-testing, as they have done so in the past.
5. Contacts for Statistical Aspects and Data Collection
Agency conducting survey:
Heather Clawson, Ph.D.
Vice President
Caliber, an ICF International Company
10530 Rosehaven Street, Suite 400
| File Type | application/msword |
| Author | Anne Kenyon |
| Last Modified By | Scarbora |
| File Modified | 2006-09-12 |
| File Created | 2006-09-12 |