NCJ Number
153009
Date Published
1994
Length
75 pages
Annotation
This report reviews pretrial detention at the local level throughout the State of Florida, constructs a profile of pretrial inmates, identifies proven pretrial release options, estimates the number of pretrial detainees who might meet release guidelines, describes institutional barriers to implementing pretrial release, and outlines current pretrial detention practices in the State.
Abstract
The study found that, despite pretrial release programs, many pretrial inmates in Florida's jails could be released with minimal threat to the public or risk of nonappearance at adjudication proceedings. Inmates are often held because there is no deliberate and coordinated pretrial release policy among the various circuit, county, and local officials who determine the jail population. There are currently two predominant pretrial release options exercised in the Florida criminal justice system, namely bail and release on own recognizance. This report outlines conditions for the successful implementation of a pretrial release agency in terms of organizational location, costs, and barriers to use.