A15-SJIC-Sample Cover Letter Announcing Data Collection Revised

U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Statistics
Washington, D.C. 20531

September 10, 2009

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Dear XXXXXXXXXXX:
Enclosed please find the data collection form for the 2009 Annual Survey of Jails in Indian Country
(SJIC). This year’s survey updates the baseline characteristics of your facility and your inmate
population. By yearend 2009 we expect to mail out to you Jails in Indian Country, 2008, a report
prepared from the data that you provided in the 2008 collection. Previous editions of the report are
available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pubalp2.htm#J.
This year’s survey, covering the 12 months ending on June 30, 2009, represents a continued commitment
by BJS to include jails in Indian country in its reports on correctional populations. For the third year, we
have contracted with Westat, a Social Science Research Company, to collect the data. Partnering with
Westat will enable us to provide additional resources to address important issues surrounding Indian
country jails. The Westat team, headed up by Dr. Cynthia Helba and Dr. Craig Love bring with them
extensive experience working in Indian country.
Participation in the 2009 survey is voluntary; however, we ask for your assistance in conducting this
survey. The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 3732),
authorizes the collection of these data.
Please complete your questionnaire and fax to Westat at 301-315-5912 by September 30, 2009. If you
need assistance in completing the survey, please contact Cynthia Helba or Craig Love of Westat at 1-888675-7330 or Todd Minton of BJS at 202-305-9630.
Sincerely,

Todd D. Minton, Project Officer
Jails in Indian Country Program
Corrections Statistics Program

William J. Sabol, Ph.D., Chief
Corrections Statistics Program