NCJ Number
159045
Date Published
1995
Length
36 pages
Annotation
Between 1987 and 1994, the Vera Institute of Justice designed, implemented, and operated three intensive pretrial supervision projects that came to be known as bail bond supervision agencies in Nassau County and Bronx County, New York, and in Essex County, New Jersey.
Abstract
Offenders were supervised in the community in order to reduce jail crowding, prevent pretrial recidivism, and ensure they did not evade justice. The projects targeted persons likely to be detained for lengthy periods before sentencing and who were legally eligible for probation. Further, the projects operated as bail bond agencies, using the legal authority of the bondsperson to prevent offenders from engaging in criminal activity or absconding. Individuals were controlled by restricting certain behaviors such as drug and alcohol consumption, requiring participation in structured activities such as employment and drug treatment, and physically monitoring each offender's whereabouts. Each project is evaluated in detail, and issues to consider in assessing the future of intensive pretrial supervision are noted. Appendixes contain a sample annual program budget and a list of additional information sources. 20 footnotes and 2 tables