FR 2021-01884

Summary of the Document

The document outlines a notification from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the extension of a currently approved information collection related to hate crime incidents. This initiative, undertaken by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, aims to gather and analyze data from federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. The purpose is to assess trends in hate crimes across the United States and compile the results into reports like the Hate Crime Statistics. The public is invited to comment on this collection process until March 1, 2021.

Key Issues and Concerns

One challenge with this document is its reliance on specialized legal and technical references. Terms like "28 U.S.C. § 534" and "34 U.S.C. § 41305" may not be readily understood by the general public. Additionally, the methodology for estimating the burden of data collection, clarified as 21,823 hours annually, lacks detailed explanation, which could promote transparency and understanding.

Further, the document uses numerous acronyms and technical terms like "DOJ," "FBI," and "CJIS" without explanation, potentially alienating those unfamiliar with these organizations. Moreover, references to publications like the National Incident-Based Reporting System aren't expanded upon, potentially leaving readers unclear about their content and significance.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, this document might positively affect the public by ensuring comprehensive data collection on hate crimes, which can inform effective policymaking and resource allocation to tackle such offenses. However, complexity in understanding the legal references and submissions process may limit public engagement and comments, which could impact the feedback quality.

Moreover, another aspect for consideration is the estimated 21,823 hours of public burden associated with data submission. While this figure underscores the importance of capturing detailed hate crime data, it also highlights potential strain on law enforcement resources allocated to this reporting duty.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For law enforcement agencies, the document outlines obligations that necessitate administrative commitment but also provide a framework for bringing attention to hate-related incidents. While this extension may bring added work for data collection and submission, it promotes transparency and accountability in crime reporting.

Lastly, civil rights organizations and advocacy groups might find the enhanced data collection beneficial as it allows a better understanding of hate crime prevalence, potentially rallying support for more effective measures in combating these injustices. Conversely, if the process appears cumbersome or inaccessible, these stakeholders may find it difficult to engage effectively or provide valuable insights through comments.

In conclusion, while the document serves a critical role in advancing the understanding of hate crimes, its complexity might inhibit robust public interaction and input. It emphasizes the need for clear communication and accessibility to engage the public and relevant entities constructively in the data collection process.