The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)
is establishing a new data collection program designed to conduct
regular surveys of state attorneys general offices entitled Survey
of State Attorneys General Offices (SSAGO). BJS routinely surveys
law enforcement agencies, corrections agencies, state and local
prosecutor offices, and indigent defense offices; however, the lack
of data on state attorneys general offices is a significant gap.
State attorneys general play an important role in the criminal and
civil justice systems since they are the chief legal officers of
their states and often represent their state in antitrust actions,
consumer protections, criminal appeals, and serious statewide
prosecutions.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.