[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 135 (Friday, July 12, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 36779]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-17758]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY


Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Treasury.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (``FinCEN''), invites 
the general public and other government agencies to comment on its 
proposal to continue to collect information on its Request for Research 
Form from government officials who use FinCEN's services.

DATES: Written comments should be received on or before September 10, 
1996 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Hedda Verinder, Financial 
Crimes Enforcement Network, 2070 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna, VA 22182, 
Telephone number 703-905-3736.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hedda Verinder, Financial Crimes 
Enforcement Network, 2070 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna, VA 22182, 
Telephone number 703-905-3736.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), FinCEN is soliciting 
comments on the collection of information described below.
    Title: Request for Research Form.
    OMB Number: 1505-0139.
    Form Number: TDF90-22.44.
    Abstract: FinCEN provides investigative support for federal, state, 
and local law enforcement. FinCEN supports law enforcement 
investigations by conducting searches of federal law enforcement, 
regulatory, and financial databases, and commercial databases for 
relevant information which, when analyzed, provides enforcement 
officials with useful and expanded knowledge of the subjects of the 
inquiry. Requests for assistance are received from individual law 
enforcement agents in writing.
    In order for FinCEN to undertake a thorough search and analysis, 
requests to FinCEN must include a minimum amount of information about 
the nature of the request for assistance. The information supplied in 
the Request for Research Form is used by agents and analysts at FinCEN 
in order to perform financial analysis in support of ongoing 
investigations conducted by the respondents' employing agency. The 
information on the form provides FinCEN personnel with sufficient 
information to be able to determine (i) which systems of records/
databases may be searched lawfully in response to the query (i.e., 
whether the purpose of the search is compatible with the routine use(s) 
for a particular system or systems of records to which FinCEN has 
access), (ii) which systems of records would likely yield useful data 
related to the investigation in question, and (iii) a record for FinCEN 
to monitor the number and nature of inquiries received. In addition, 
requests for some databases legally require a written request and this 
form ensures a consistent format for the requests.
    Current Actions: Revisions to this existing form are in format 
only; there are no substantive or material changes.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Affected Public: Federal Government/State and Local Government.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 7500.
    Estimated Time Per Respondent: 30 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 3,750.
    Request For Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice 
will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of 
Management and Budget approval. All comments will become a matter of 
public record. Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, 
and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to 
minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, 
including through the use of automated collection techniques or other 
forms of information technology.

    Dated: July 8, 1996.
William F. Baity,
Deputy Director, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
[FR Doc. 96-17758 Filed 7-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4820-03-U