NCJ Number
81629
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This videotape records the opening session of a conference on pretrial release and diversion programs. It includes introductory comments by the director of the Pretrial Services Resource Center and the keynote address.
Abstract
The resource center considers the conference its first major effort in facilitating the advancement of pretrial release and diversion programs. Conference participants are asked to provide input so the center can provide the kinds of resources that meet the needs of workers in the field. The keynote address is delivered by a layman who is informed but not professionally involved in pretrial and diversion. The speech notes that pretrial services have evolved over the past 15 years to a point where alternative methods of treating offenders are an accepted practice. It is contended that Pretrial Services deserve to be an independent, fully funded professional part of the criminal justice system. Opposition of legislators, courts, and the public should be met by confronting the issues and declaring a common purpose with the community at large -- expressing concern for the victims of crime, recognizing the citizens' fear of crime, and showing how pretrial services contribute to the public interest rather than merely catering to the offenders' rights. New directions to be considered are halfway houses, preventive detention, prosecutorial arguments justifying each recommended detention, and shortened time limits between hearings and trials. The conference is urged to reach agreement on the kinds of standards and safeguards that are to be proposed to the public for the release of defendants. The lobby effort must be geared to convincing the public that the best way to help the troubled criminal justice system is to keep as many people as possible out of it. For the final conference report, see NCJ 51935.