; Annual Survey of Jails

Frequently Asked Questions

Data Submission

About the Annual Survey of Jails (ASJ)

The 2023 Annual Survey of Jails Form

Miscellaneous Questions

How do I submit data online?

  1. Go to https://bjsasj.rti.org.
  2. Click on "Login" and enter your agency's username and password.
  3. Click on "Enter Data".

What are my agency's username and password?

Your agency's username and password are provided in your invitation to participate in the ASJ. If you have lost this information, please send your name and agency name to bjsasj@rti.org or call (866) 354-4992.

I keep receiving errors when I enter my data. What should I do?

If you are experiencing an error and cannot resolve it on your own, please explain the situation in the text box under the text "If you cannot correct the issue identified above, please provide an explanation below." Then proceed to the next question.

If you would like further assistance, please contact the RTI data collection team at (866) 354-4992 or bjsasj@rti.org

I started working on my form, but need to run some more reports. Can I save and finish later?

Yes. Please ensure that you have clicked the "Next" button before leaving the survey. To return to the survey, log back in with your username and password.

How do I submit data by mail?

You can download the form from the website (https://bjsasj.rti.org) and mail your completed form to:

RTI International
ATTN: Data Capture Annual Survey of Jails (0216663)
5265 Capital Boulevard
Raleigh, NC 27690-1652

How do I submit data by fax?

Please fax your completed form to (866) 800-9179 and include a cover page with your name, phone number, and agency name.

How do I submit data by email?

Please scan your paper form and send it to bjsasj@rti.org. Please include your name, phone number, and agency name in your email.

Is it too late to submit data for previous collection years?

Yes. Data collection for previous years is closed. We are no longer accepting new data submissions for previous years.

Can I change my agency's data after submitting the form?

Yes, you can make changes to the current survey online at https://bjsasj.rti.org. If you need to make changes to data you submitted in previous years, please contact us at bjsasj@rti.org or (866) 354-4992.

Can I save or print a copy of my agency's form?

Yes. You can view, print, and save a copy of your agency's completed forms for 2015 through 2023 online.

What is the Annual Survey of Jails (ASJ)?

Started in 1982, the Annual Survey of Jails (ASJ) is a primary source of national statistics on jail populations. The ASJ tracks changes in the size and demographic characteristics of the jail population, jail capacity, the flow of inmates moving into and out of jails, and use of jail space by other correctional institutions. The data are collected annually from around 875 local jail jurisdictions, representing approximately 3,000 jails nationwide. The ASJ has a high response rate of about 93%.

The ASJ is sponsored by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), a federal government agency under the U.S. Department of Justice and a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System. Click here for the latest BJS reports on jail inmates based on the ASJ series.

Why was my agency selected?

A sample of local jail jurisdictions was drawn based on information from the 2019 Census of Jails. Selection probability depends on the jail population and presence of juveniles, as well as whether the jurisdiction was operated by multiple counties (i.e., a regional jail). Your agency was selected to represent many other similar agencies in the nation.

Why is reporting my agency's data to ASJ important?

The ASJ is the only annual national data collection that provides information on local jails and jail inmates. Your agency was selected to represent many other similar agencies in the nation. Your participation makes sure that agencies like yours are properly represented in the national statistics BJS publishes every year about local jails and jail population.

How secure are the ASJ data?

As a federal statistical agency, Bureau of Justice Statistics’ (BJS) procedures for collecting, analyzing, publishing, and distributing data are subject to strict federal controls, ensuring the quality, security, and integrity of our nation's criminal justice statistics. BJS may only use the data collected under its authority for research and statistical purposes. BJS's governing regulations and statutes include—

  • 42 USC § 3732 (BJS authorizing legislation)
  • 42 USC § 3735 (BJS use of data statute)
  • 42 USC § 3789g (BJS confidentiality of information statute)

For more information on the federal statutes, regulations, and other authorities that govern how BJS, BJS employees, and BJS data collection agents use, handle, and protect your information, see the BJS Data Protection Guidelines.

What is new in the 2023 ASJ?

The 2023 ASJ asks the same questions as the 2022 ASJ. In addition, this year we are asking all agencies to review and verify basic agency information such as contact person, facility address, and facility functions.

What is the reference date for the 2023 ASJ?

The reference date is the date on which jails are asked to report their aggregate and detailed one-day population counts in the survey. The reference date for the 2023 ASJ is June 30, 2023, the last weekday in June.

How long will it take to complete the survey?

It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete the 2023 ASJ.

My agency's data system does not provide data as specific as the survey requests. Can I leave those items blank?

Yes. However, if you can provide reasonable estimates for those items, please do so and check the small box next to the answer box to indicate that the number is an estimate. If you leave an item blank, you'll be prompted to enter an explanation in the text box.

What are the small square boxes next to the answer boxes for?

If you are not able to provide an exact numeric answer for an item, please provide a reasonable estimate and mark ( X ) in the small check box beside each number that is estimated. If you are able to provide an exact answer, leave the check box blank.

How should I answer question 2 (weekend programs)?

Weekend programs allow offenders to serve their sentences of confinement only on weekends (e.g., Friday through Sunday). A program where inmates serve their sentences on nonconsecutive days other than Friday through Sunday is not a weekend program. Please answer yes if your agency had a weekend program in existence on the weekend prior to June 30, 2023, even if no inmates participated on that particular weekend.

Should I count someone as admitted who is bonded out within hours of admission for question 16?

Yes. Please include all new bookings, regardless of how long the offenders were actually in the facility, in the annual admission count.

What is the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)?

The ASJ is sponsored by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), a federal government agency under the U.S. Department of Justice and a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System. BJS's principal function is to collect criminal justice data and to disseminate information for statistical purposes.

What is RTI?

RTI International is a nonprofit research institute, headquartered in the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, that provides research and technical services. RTI has been the data collection agent for the ASJ since 2015. For more information about RTI, please visit http://www.rti.org.

What if I have other questions?

If you have questions about providing your data to the ASJ, please contact the RTI data collection team at (866) 354-4992 or bjsasj@rti.org. If you have additional questions about the ASJ, please contact the BJS program manager, Zhen Zeng, at (202) 598-9955 or Zhen.Zeng@usdoj.gov.

Why is someone calling me about my reports after I already submitted forms for my agency?

After forms are submitted, they will be reviewed for completeness and clarity. To ensure that your agency's information is as accurate as possible, RTI staff may follow up with you with clarifying questions.