supporting statement B

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods:

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

The sample selection for the current survey will be based on the sampling criteria from the 2003 Law Enforcement Management and Administration Statistics (LEMAS). A 100% sample of the 2003 LEMAS will be selected, which includes 92% of law enforcement agencies with over 100 sworn officers in the United States (N=885), and 12.5% of law enforcement agencies with fewer than 100 sworn officers in the United States (N=1974) for a total sample size of 2859. Based on the average response rate of 92% to LEMAS, the total expected sample size is 2,630.

Agency Size	# of Agencies	Sample	Sample Size	Expected Response Rate	Expected # of Responses	Previous Response Rate (from OMB #1121-0223)
100 or more sworn officers	955	92%	885	92%	814	64%
99 or fewer sworn officers	15,766	12.5%	1974	92%	1816	69%

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

a. Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection

See above for description of stratification and sample selection.

b. Estimation procedure

See above for estimation procedure.

c. Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification

The sampling procedure will satisfy the purpose described in the justification.

d. Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures

We do not anticipate any unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures.

e. Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden

This survey will be collected once.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield “reliable” data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

Follow-up reminders will be sent to non-responders through postal mail after 2 weeks. These reminders will include a paper copy of the survey in order to allow agencies with limited computing resources to respond. Due to the sampling structure of LEMAS, it is expected that the sample will yield reliable data that is generalizable to the universe of law enforcement agencies. For further strategies regarding non-response, read the attached “Plan for Identifying, Evaluating, and Correcting for Unit and Item Nonresponse Bias in NIJ’s Crime Mapping Survey 2008.”

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed tests or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

The test sample will be comprised of: (1) crime analysts who are members of the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA); and (2) members of the NIJ Technical Working Group on Geospatial Technologies. The test survey will be distributed in an online format, with the sample being provided a URL link. The questions on the test survey are designed to elicit responses regarding the makeup of the data collection portion of the survey in order to refine the latter and reduce overall burden. In addition, several questions are asked concerning confidentiality in order to determine if confidentiality issues would impact responses on the data collection portion of the survey.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

Christopher D. Maxwell, Ph.D.

Director

National Archive of Criminal Justice Data

University of Michigan

P.O. Box 1248

Ann Arbor, MI 48106

Tel: (734) 615-6940

Cedrick G. Heraux, Ph.D.

Research Associate

National Archive of Criminal Justice Data

University of Michigan

P.O. Box 1248

Ann Arbor, MI 48106

Tel: (734) 615-7827

John Markovic

Program Manager

International Association of Chiefs of Police

515 N. Washington St.

Alexandria, VA 22314

Tel: (703) 836-6767

Tom Casady

Chief of Police

Lincoln Police Department

575 S. 10^th St.

Lincoln, NE 68508

Tel: (402) 441-7237

Stacey Belledin

Crime Analyst

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

501 E. Bay St.

Jacksonville, FL 32202

Tel: (904) 630-7600