supporting statememt A

Supporting Statement

A. Justification:

#1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.

The Mapping and Analysis for Public Safety (MAPS) program of the National Institute of Justice was established in order to advance applied and basic research involving the spatial analysis of crime. Consistent with this focus, the current survey was designed to determine the extent to which law enforcement agencies are engaging in computerized crime mapping and analysis. The last survey of this type was administered (OMB #1121-0223) in 2000, and thus the current survey serves to update the available data regarding the use of this technology throughout US law enforcement agencies. In relation to the overall ties to program goals for crime prevention/reduction, the survey will provide law enforcement agencies with knowledge about what software, tools, techniques, and data have been useful for crime prevention and reduction using crime mapping. As one example, crime mapping technology has been continually used in a process known as CompStat to help administrators track changes in sub-jurisdictions in order to hold commanders accountable for their approaches to prevention, management, and reduction. Another example is that of identifying “hot spots” in order to more effectively deploy resources. In addition, crime mapping has recently enabled law enforcement to work with urban administrators in making changes to the urban environment in efforts that ultimately reduce crime.

The National Institute of Justice has the authority to engage in research to strengthen the criminal justice system through 42 U.S.C. 3721.

#2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.

There are two phases to the overall data collection plan: (1) the pretest survey; and (2) the actual data collection itself. The pretest survey (for which the methodology is described in Section B) will ask a series of questions of a test group comprised of current crime analysts (members of the International Association of Crime Analysts) and members of the NIJ Technical Working Group on Geospatial Technologies.

The data collection portion of the current survey will collect information about the use of computerized crime mapping and analysis within law enforcement agencies, in terms of: (1) what type of software is used; (2) what type of analyses are conducted; (3) how are theses analyses conducted; and (4) how are the results of these analyses used. This information, collected directly from the law enforcement agencies, will be used to: (1) assess the current state of crime mapping and analyses; and (2) determine the extent of usage of this technology and analytical techniques. This information will be used as both an update to the prior survey (OMB #1121-0223).

#3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g. permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.

Due to the nature of the survey content, as well as the increased prevalence of internet listservs on the topic of crime mapping, it was felt that this survey was particularly well-suited for electronic data collection. The survey will be presented on-line in a confidential format, allowing agencies to read through and respond to the survey very quickly, thus reducing their burden. Survey follow-ups will be presented in both electronic and paper format, allowing agencies who have not previously responded to utilize their preferred format.

#4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.

Crime mapping is a fluid phenomenon, and its usage among law enforcement agencies varies both between and within agencies. There have been only two systematic surveys of the use of crime mapping (Lavigne et al. in 1997, and O’Shea and Nicholls in 2000), and one systematic survey regarding the perceptions of crime mapping (Taylor et al. 2007). Thus, due to the length of time since the last survey of usage has occurred, it is likely that there have been significant changes in this phenomenon. The current survey, then, is designed to assess the state of crime mapping usage currently in order to compare it to prior usage as assessed by previous surveys.

#5. If the collection of information impacts small business or other small entities (Item 5 of OMB Form 83-1), describe any methods used to minimize burden.

There are no small businesses involved in this data collection. However, law enforcement agencies with under 100 sworn officers will be surveyed (N=1974), and these may be considered small entities. The current survey was designed to collect needed information electronically, with a limited response time, in order to reduce the burden to any particular law enforcement agency.

#6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

If this data collection is not conducted, the National Institute of Justice may be less effective in assisting law enforcement agencies throughout the United States with respect to their use of technology. In addition, the research focus of the MAPS program may suffer from being less informed by criminal justice practitioners.

#7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

1. Data will only be collected once

2. The respondents will have more than 30 days to respond

3. Only one written copy of the document will be required, and only if necessary due to non-response to the electronic version of the survey

4. Respondents are not required to retain any records

5. The data will be collected from a nationally representative sample of law enforcement agencies

6. The data will be collected in a manner consistent with statistical data classification that has been reviewed and approved by OMB

7. The pledge of confidentiality provided to the respondents resides in 42 U.S.C.

8. The data collection does not require providing proprietary information

#8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency’s notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8 (d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

#9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than reenumeration of contractors or grantees.

No compensation will be provided to respondents participating in this data collection. Survey participation is entirely voluntary.

#10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

All agency identifiers will be held strictly confidential in accordance with 42 USC 3789(g). The director of the National Institute of Justice will provide a letter notifying all respondents that response is voluntary and that all data will be held confidential.

#11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior or attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

This data collection does not contain any questions of a sensitive nature.

#12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated.

We estimate this survey will take 45 minutes per respondent, with the demographic section taking 3 minutes and the questions regarding crime mapping taking 42 minutes. Based on the expected sample of 2,630 respondents, the total estimated burden is 1,972 hours. With an average salary of $45,000 per respondent, the total estimated burden is $42,663.

#13. Provide estimates of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information. The cost estimates should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component annualized over its expected useful life; and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component.

There are no capital/start-up or ongoing operation/maintenance costs associated with this information collection.

#14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Provide a description of the method used to estimate cost and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.

Data collection and analysis has been estimated at $50,000. This estimate includes operational expenses (purchase of survey software; production and mailing of initial letter; production and mailing of hard-copy survey for non-respondents) for 2,630 surveys, and related personnel costs.

#15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in Items 13 or 14 of the OMB Form 83-1.

This survey is a continuation. This survey will add time and cost burdens as indicated above.

#16. For the collections of information whose results are planned to be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication.

A summary report of survey findings will be published. In addition, results will also be presented at the 10^th Crime Mapping Research Conference. The following schedule is anticipated:

Initial mailing of survey notification: July 2008

Survey responses: July – September 2008

Follow-up mailing to non-respondents: August 2008

Survey responses from original non-respondents August – October 2008

Statistical analyses and results: October – November 2008

Production of report: November – December 2008

Report publication and presentation: February 2009/August 2009

#17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

We plan to display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection on all instruments.

#18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in Item 19 “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act.”

We are able to certify compliance with all provisions under Item 19 of OMB Form 83-1.