NCJ Number
81932
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
The outcomes of pretrial services evaluations (pretrial release and detention effectiveness) are reported, and the need for further research is emphasized. Less reliance on conditional release and detention, increased use of citations, research designs that include control groups, and pretrial screening and monitoring improvements are recommended.
Abstract
Based on a literature review and site visits to 25-30 cities and counties, the Alternatives to Jail Project found that many communities were not using fully the potential alternatives to jail. Many jurisdictions made no use of police citations, which are effective in reducing detention and processing costs. Many diversion programs provided expensive services to few clients and thus were as costly as normal processing. Citations, stationhouse releases, and release on personal recognizance reach more people than either conditional release or diversion. A General Accounting Office (GAO) study of the Federal bail system found that failure-to-appear rates were small (under 10 percent) but that detention rates varied widely among jurisdictions. Pretrial service agencies should be providing the necessary guidance and monitoring of release conditions to decrease both inappropriate detention and release. The National Evaluation Program (Phase II), funded by the National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, is studying the impact of pretrial release and diversion programs on defendant outcomes of the different jurisdictions' approaches. The Court Employment Project in New York City has found that control groups are required before the impact of diversion programs and defendant outcomes can be measured. Speakers include pretrial program directors and evaluators and a GAO representative.