02-10612. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested

ACTION:

60-Day emergency notice of information collection under review: new public safety officer medal of valor application.

The Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with emergency review procedures of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. OMB approval has been requested by May 8, 2002. The proposed information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. If granted, the emergency approval is only valid for 180 days. Comments should be directed to OMB, Office of Information Regulation Affairs, Attention: Department of Justice Desk Officer [phone], Washington, DC 20503.

During the first 60 days of this same review period, a regular view of this information collection is also being undertaken. All comments and suggestions, or questions regarding additional information, to include obtaining a copy of the proposed information collection instrument with instructions, should be directed to Tracey Henke, Office of the Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice, 810 7th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20531, or call [phone].

Request written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points:

(1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) 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.

Overview of this information:

(1) Type of information collection: New collection.

(2) The title of the form/collection: Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Application.

(3) The agency form number, if any, and the applicable components of the department sponsoring the collection: Form Number: OJP Form Number 1121. National Medal of Valor Office, Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice.

(4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: State, Local or Tribal Government. Other: Federal Government. The information collected on this application will provide the nomination of public safety officers who demonstrate courage and bravery above and beyond the call of duty without regard for their personal safety. A Medal of Valor Board will be appointed by the Congress and the President. The Board shall select candidates as recipients of the Medal of Valor from among those applications received by the National Medal of Valor Office. Annually, the Board shall present, to the Attorney General, the name or names of those recommended as medal of valor recipients.

(5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond/reply: It is estimated that 500 respondents will complete the application in approximately 60 minutes.

(6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: The estimated total public burden associated with this application is 500 minutes.

If additional information is required contact: Brenda E. Dyer, Department Deputy Clearance Officer, Information Management and Security Staff, Justice Management Division, United States Department of Justice, 601 D Street NW., Patrick Henry Building, Suite 1600, NW., Washington, DC 20530.

Dated: April 25, 2002.

Brenda E. Dyer,

Department Deputy Clearance Officer, Department of Justice.