U.S. Census Bureau Operating in the Area
The Kingsport Police Department received official notification today, May 22, 2013, that the United States Census Bureau is operating in the City of Kingsport.
Most people are familiar with the large scale Decennial Census, which, by definition, is conducted every ten years on years ending with a 0. However, what is not widely known is that the U.S. Census Bureau also conducts several smaller surveys on a regular basis throughout each year, every year. Some of the more common surveys conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau may include, but are not necessarily limited to the American Community Survey, the American Housing Survey, and the National Crime Victimization Survey.
According to a representative of the U.S. Census Bureau, those individuals or households who have been selected to be surveyed should first receive a letter by mail from the U.S. Census Bureau, notifying the recipient that they will soon receive either a phone call or a personal visit from a representative of the U.S. Census Bureau. While some surveys are optional and give an individual the freedom to opt out, many of these surveys, including the Decennial Census and the American Community Survey, are required by law. This should all be explained in detail in the initial letter received by mail.
If a U.S. Census Bureau official makes contact via telephone, it may be difficult to verify if the caller is actually a U.S. Census Bureau official, as the recipients caller I.D. will most likely not show the call originating from the U.S. Census Bureau. However, if a U.S. Census Bureau official makes contact in person, they should present an official photo identification badge identifying them as a U.S. Census Bureau official. Those individuals reached by telephone have the option of asking for a visit in person, so the U.S. Census Bureau official can show their credentials.
If an individual is contacted by someone claiming to be from the U.S. Census Bureau, and there is any doubt as to whether or not they are in actuality a U.S. Census Bureau official, the individual may call the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-800-262-4236 to verify.
For more information on the U.S. Census Bureau and the surveys they conduct, please feel free to call 1-800-262-4236 or visit the following websites.
http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/censusandstatistics/a/aboutcensus.htm