NCJ Number
86610
Date Published
1981
Length
114 pages
Annotation
These hearings examine the operations of 10 demonstration pretrial service agencies and related legislation to determine whether pretrial services should be provided in all Federal district courts.
Abstract
The 10 demonstration agencies were established in Title II of the Speedy Trial Act of 1974. The act was passed in response to the alarming rate of crime committed by persons free on bail. Statistics indicated that the longer the period before trial, the greater the likelihood of a second crime. The proposed solution was embodied in the three elements of the act. These elements included a short period before trial, informed bail decisions, and bail supervision. The 10 demonstration projects were charged with the responsibility of carrying out the second and third elements. Information available to this committee indicates that the pretrial service agencies are performing functions essential to the bail process. The issues to be determined are whether the agencies should be expanded beyond the 10 demonstration districts. Testimony is presented by panels of judges, pretrial experts, U.S. attorneys, and chief pretrial service officers. Prepared statements are also offered by several participants. Letters and legislation are appended.