NCJ Number
239840
Editor(s)
Sharon Aungst
Date Published
September 2012
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes best practices and practical information that will assist California's county leaders in determining how pretrial programs could benefit their local jurisdiction.
Abstract
Under California's Assembly Bill 109 and related legislation, California is realigning its incarceration policies so counties will assume more responsibility for housing low-level offenders. Under this realignment, the State will assist counties in envisioning, designing, and implementing their own strategies for the incarceration of local low-level offenders. Effective pretrial practices are a key to the success of the realignment, given that 71 percent of jail beds are currently occupied by pretrial detainees. Making pretrial-release decisions based on a detainee's risk and needs, versus his/her ability to post bail, is critical for improving public safety and offender outcomes. This report summarizes national pretrial best practices, followed by an overview of five California counties' experiences in effectively implementing pretrial programs. Suggestions are also provided for offender tracking as well as data collection and analysis. Issues for consideration in implementing a pretrial program are outlined. A listing of resources includes technical assistance available to counties. A 41-item bibliography is provided.