FAQs

Attachment 14

Frequently Asked Questions

Some Frequently Asked Questions about the Crime Victimization Study

Q: What is the study about? What kind of questions will you be asking?

A: The study concerns crime or victimizations you and other household members may have experienced. This include those incidents that may not have been reported to law enforcement. For example, we will ask you about any crimes you may have experienced or witnessed and some general details about the incident. These may include what happened, if anything was stolen, if anyone was injured, or if police were notified.

Q: How will the study results be used? What will be done with my information?

A: This is a pilot study that will help the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics improve the way they collect information about characteristics of criminal victimization and on the number and types of crimes that occur in the U.S. including those not reported to law enforcement.

Q: How did you get my address?

A: Your address came from one of two different sources. One source was a random selection of addresses among all of the known home addresses in your community. The second source was a random selection of addresses that had reported a crime to the local police within the last 12 months.

Q: Why should I take part in this study?

A: Crime and the victims of crime are important issues for our Nation. A greater understanding of crime can be used in crime prevention measures. Groups that represent victims also need hard data on how crimes are perpetrated.

You represent thousands of other households like yours, and you cannot be replaced. Your answers and opinions are very important to the success of this study, as you represent others who share your knowledge and experiences. You cannot be replace by anyone else because then the findings would no longer be scientific.

Q: Do I have to do this?

A: Your participation is voluntary, and you may refuse to answer any questions. You can stop participating at any point. However, your participation is very important to the success of this study and will help the government improve the way they monitor crime in communities like yours.

Q: Will my answers to the survey be kept confidential?

A: Yes. Your individual answers will not be revealed to anyone but the researchers in a way that identifies you or your household. Your individual answers are protected by federal law and cannot be shared with anyone outside the individuals working on this project.

Q: How long will it take to answer the questions?

A: About 15 to 20 minutes.

Q: Who is sponsoring the study? Is this study approved by the Federal Government?

A: The study is sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, which an agency within the U.S. Justice Department. The study has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the office that reviews all federally-sponsored surveys. The OMB approval number assigned to this study is XXXX-XXXX.

Q: I called the number, but it only goes to an automated system.

A: We are testing the use of a new method for collecting information for this survey that offers you additional privacy when answering the survey questions. If you are having difficulty accessing the survey or it is not recognizing your responses, please call 1-800-XXX-XXXX for additional assistance.

Q: Who is Westat?

A: Westat is a research company located in Rockville, Maryland. Westat is conducting this survey under contract to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice.