BJS FY25 Survey of Public Defenders (SPD)

The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) is soliciting applications for the FY 2025 Survey of Public Defenders (SPD), a new data collection to capture questions about the provision of public defense. The survey will focus on demographics, caseloads, clients, and access to resources, directly from attorneys. BJS has a history of studying public defense, and this new collection aims to implement lessons learned and recommendations from previous studies. The purpose of the FY2025SPD solicitation is to use the 2025 Census of Public Defender Offices (CPDO) and to implement the full national collection of the SPD. • The survey will capture questions about the provision of public defense, including demographics, caseloads, clients, and access to resources. • The survey will be conducted directly from attorneys. • BJS has a history of studying public defense, dating back to 1986. • The FY2025SPD solicitation aims to implement lessons learned and recommendations from previous studies. • The survey will use the 2025 CPDO and implement the full national collection of the SPD.