FR 2025-03546

The document in question is a notice from the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the continuation of the use of the CSO-005 Preliminary Background Check Form by the U.S. Marshals Service. The form gathers crucial information about applicants for Court Security Officer and Special Security Officer positions. The DOJ is seeking public comments on this information collection process, particularly on its necessity, the estimated burden on respondents, and the potential for improving the data collection methods. Feedback is encouraged and accepted until April 4, 2025.

General Summary

The notice serves as a formal request from the DOJ to extend the use of an existing information collection tool without any changes. The CSO-005 form is used to collect personal, employment, and financial information from applicants intending to work in security roles within the U.S. Marshals Service. This process is aligned with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which mandates that any collection of information by federal agencies must be reviewed and approved to minimize the burden on respondents.

Significant Issues

Several issues arise from this document:

1. Lack of Cost Breakdown: The document states an estimated annual cost burden of $14,651 but does not provide a detailed breakdown. This lack of transparency may lead to concerns over potential inefficiencies or unnecessary expenses.

2. Data Security and Privacy Concerns: The form collects sensitive information from applicants, yet there are no mentions of measures taken to protect this data. In an era where privacy concerns are paramount, this omission could be troubling for applicants.

3. Electronic Submission Details: While the document suggests that electronic submission is an option, it does not offer clear instructions or specify the platform for this process, potentially creating confusion for those wishing to submit their forms electronically.

4. Scope and Nature of Information Collection: The form's comprehensive requirements, including personal, employment, and financial details, could be seen as invasive. Clear guidelines on how this information will be safeguarded and used would alleviate potential concerns.

5. Lack of Public Feedback Summary: Though a comment period was previously offered, there is no summary provided on the feedback received or how it was addressed, leaving gaps in understanding of the response to public input.

Impact on the Public

Broad Impact: For the general public, the document represents another collection of information by a federal entity, which could be perceived as bureaucratic. It underscores ongoing federal scrutiny in maintaining security standards at the expense of increased paperwork for applicants.

Specific Stakeholder Impact: For applicants, particularly those seeking employment as Court Security Officers and Special Security Officers, the form represents a necessary step in the hiring process. However, concerns about privacy and the burden of providing extensive personal information might lead to hesitancy or dissatisfaction.

Positive and Negative Impacts

Positive: The collection process, assuming it is executed with proper safeguards, allows the Marshals Service to vet candidates effectively, ensuring that only qualified, reliable individuals are placed in security-sensitive roles. This can contribute to improved safety and operational efficiency within court facilities.

Negative: The lack of detailed information about privacy measures, potential confusion regarding electronic submissions, and unspecified public feedback responses may erode trust among applicants. Additionally, without detailed cost information, stakeholders may question the financial stewardship of the program.

In conclusion, while the document is a routine extension of a necessary tool for federal employment, addressing the outlined issues would enhance transparency and trust, benefiting both the agency and the public.

The Federal Register document indicates that the Department of Justice (DOJ), specifically the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), is undertaking an information collection related to the Form CSO-005, Preliminary Background Check Form. An essential aspect of this undertaking involves understanding the estimated total annual cost burden associated with this collection.

Summary of Financial References

In the document, the estimated total annual cost burden associated with the collection is cited as $14,651.00. This amount represents the financial estimate of the burden that this information collection will impose on respondents. However, the document lacks a detailed breakdown of what this figure encompasses, potentially raising questions regarding the allocation and management of these funds.

Issues Related to Financial References

One of the critical issues identified involves the lack of transparency concerning how the $14,651.00 cost burden was calculated or what specific expenses it covers. For individuals or organizations responding to this request, such a lack of detail might raise concerns about whether the funds are being allocated and utilized efficiently or if there is potential for wasteful spending. Without a clear breakdown of costs, stakeholders cannot accurately assess whether the estimated budget is reasonable and justifiable.

Additionally, although the document mentions electronic submission to potentially minimize costs and burden, it does not specify any related platform details or provide insight into how technology-related expenses might factor into the estimated cost burden. Clear instructions and technological infrastructure are essential to facilitating efficient electronic submissions and ensuring that cost predictions remain valid.

Addressing these issues in future communications would help clarify the financial implications and support better stakeholder understanding and involvement. Providing detailed information on the cost composition and ensuring transparency would contribute to reduced skepticism regarding financial estimates in public information collection initiatives.