FR 2021-00749

The notice from the Department of Justice (DOJ) outlines a request for public comments on the continuation of an informational form, the Address Verification/Change Request Form (1-797), which helps individuals correct or verify addresses in connection with Departmental Order 556-73 requests. This process is a routine part of the DOJ’s commitment to maintaining accurate and up-to-date information within its Criminal Justice Information Services Division. By inviting public feedback, the DOJ aims to ensure that the processes are efficient, necessary, and as user-friendly as possible.

General Overview

The DOJ’s announcement highlights that the form in question is a manageable task for the estimated 780 respondents per year, requiring only approximately 2 minutes to complete. With a total public burden of 26 hours annually, the impact on respondents seems minimal. This request for comment is part of the regulatory process governed by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which aims to minimize the paperwork burden on the public while maximizing the utility of the information collected by agencies.

Issues and Concerns

One notable absence in the document is any mention of costs or budget implications associated with the collection and processing of this form. This omission makes it challenging to evaluate the form’s financial efficacy or potential areas of cost reduction.

Additionally, the document does not clearly state how the DOJ will secure the personal information collected. In an age where data security is paramount, this could be a significant oversight, potentially deterring some individuals from participating out of concern for their privacy.

The mention of “e.g.” lacking a clear example might introduce confusion for some readers about what other forms of information technology might be considered. Clearer communication could enhance understanding and participation.

Finally, while Melody Braswell is listed as a contact person for further inquiries, the absence of direct contact details such as an email or phone number might inconvenience those needing more information or clarity on the process.

Broad Public Impact

For the general public, this notice could have a slight but positive impact by allowing individuals to update or verify their address information promptly. Such administrative tasks, when streamlined, contribute positively to the public’s perception of government efficiency. However, the lack of transparency regarding form security might weigh on the minds of the more privacy-conscious public members.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Stakeholders specifically involved in government document handling, like certain federal employees or organizations that frequently deal with address verifications, might see an improvement in operational efficiency with this collection. Ensuring that address data remains current is crucial for various procedural and legal contexts, reducing the possibility of errors that could have broader implications.

Overall, while the implications of this notice may appear slight on the surface, it plays a part in the larger framework of federal data management efforts. Addressing the highlighted issues could enhance the benefits and decrease potential concerns associated with personal data safety and administrative effectiveness.