BJS encourages comments for 60 days through February 9, 2024, on the Census of Jails (COJ). Your comments on BJS's request to the Office of Management and Budget, which is published in the Federal Register, should respond to one or more of the following:
- Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Bureau of Justice Statistics, including whether the information will have practical utility
- Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used
- Evaluate whether and if so, how the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected can be enhanced
- Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.
BJS also proposes to replace the Annual Survey of Jails (ASJ) with the COJ starting in 2025. The 2025 and 2026 COJs will have fewer questions, like the ASJ, but will sample all instead of one-third of jails.
Date Published: December 12, 2023