To assist in controlling crime in the state through the use of reliable statistics relating to crimes and criminal activity, the attorney general may obtain from the clerks of district courts, municipal courts, and criminal justice agencies all information the attorney general deems necessary to ascertain the status of crimes and criminal activity in North Dakota. It is the duty of the officials to furnish the information requested by the attorney general within thirty days of the request on whatever forms or in whatever manner the attorney general may prescribe.