Supporting Statement B for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions
New Collection
Under Attack: Assaults on Our Nation’s Law Enforcement Officers
B. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods
Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection methods to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) 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.
For this study, we will use the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) database on the serious assaults of police officers. This database collects information on assaults on police officers where firearms, knives, or other cutting instruments were used by the attacker, and officers were seriously injured. The LEOKA database defines a serious injury as an “injury considered serious in nature to include broken bones, internal injuries, stitches required, etc. Examples of injuries not considered serious in nature include abrasions, minor lacerations, or contusions that require no more than usual first-aid treatment”.
For this study, we are looking at a ten-year period (2011-2020). During this time, the database recorded 999 instances where a law enforcement officer was assaulted. From the 999 instances, we will select approximately 60 cases that meet our criteria.
The criteria we will use include the following:
The assault occurred between the years 2011 and 2020,
both the officer(s) and offender(s) survived the assault,
there are no active judicial appeals in the case.
The response rate expected for the collection will be 100%, because our program will reach out to potential respondents prior to the interview to ensure that they are willing to participate. If they refuse participation, their case will not be used. Another case will be selected from the LEOKA database.
Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:
Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection.
Estimation procedure.
Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification.
Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and
Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.
None of these apply to this study. Cases will be selected based on the previously mentioned criteria. Because the sample size of this study is so small, we will only be using descriptive statistics.
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.
We will maximize response rates by asking respondents if they will voluntarily participate prior to interviewing them. If they do not want to participate, we will not use that case. Other cases will be selected from the database to replace any cases where any of the respondents do not wish to participate. In doing so, we should be able to ensure maximum response rates.
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 test or set of test may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.
Prior to furthering the study, the researchers will conduct 2-3 interviews using each of the test instruments as a pilot project, to ascertain that the interviews and data collection procedures are streamlined and validated.
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.
Jeff Daniels, Professor at West Virginia University, School of Counseling & Well-Being, Project PI. (304) 293-2235
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