Methodological Considerations for the Pilot Survey of Public Defenders

• In Event: From Experiment to Insight: Shaping the Future of Justice Surveys

Abstract

As part of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) renewed effort to expand and deepen its studies into state and local court topics generally and indigent defense more specifically, in 2019 the Bureau of Justice Statistics began a pilot of its Survey of Public Defenders (SPD). SPD’s goal is to survey public defenders about the provision of public defense, including questions about demographics, working conditions, caseloads, interactions with clients, and access to resources. The pilot study surveyed attorneys using a newly-redesigned survey instrument from the 2016 Survey of Publicly Appointed Defense Attorneys: Design Study, and public defender offices about their ability to provide a roster of attorneys and caseload information. For the attorneys, the pilot study sought to assess the feasibility of administering a dual-frame sample design, use an experimental design to test for differences in response rates under three outreach strategies, assess item non-response and possible improvements to the survey instrument, and interview respondents and non-respondents for strategies to increase survey participation. For the offices, the pilot study assessed the feasibility and burden to provide roster and caseload information. This presentation will discuss successes, challenges, and recommendations learned from the pilot study.

Author

• Ryan Kling, Bureau of Justice Statistics