NCJ Number
132753
Journal
American Jails Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (September-October 1991) Pages: 58-60
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This analysis of bail bonding, presented by the Population Management Division Chief in a Maryland county correctional agency, argues against the view that bonding persons to a for-profit bail bond agency provides a solution to jail overcrowding and for the proposition that bail bonding for profit is both expensive and inappropriate.
Abstract
A previous article by Gerald Monks recommended bonding persons to a for-profit agency. However, Monks overlooks the unfairness of incarcerating indigent defendants and releasing those who can pay bond fees. Instead, the decision to release should be based only on the likelihood of appearance in court and the danger to the public. The judge or judicial officer should make the release decision based on factual information presented by an impartial agency. The posting of money to a for-profit agency circumvents the whole system and penalizes people who lack money. In contrast, jurisdictions that have efficient, effective, and responsible pretrial release programs have successfully reduced jail populations while better serving the public.