NCJ Number
155178
Date Published
1990
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Focusing on the basic elements of pretrial services programs, this document is intended to assist jurisdictions seeking to start or improve the performance of such a program, which can help court systems manage their increasing caseloads efficiently and recommend effective treatment for drug-using offenders.
Abstract
The concepts presented are based on experiences with operational programs developed over the past 15 years. The report summarizes the crucial components of these programs, the optional services they can provide, and performance measures for determining effectiveness. The discussion notes that a good pretrial program includes an effective drug testing program. It also points out that these programs are designed to improve the release/detention decision process in criminal courts by providing complete, accurate, nonadversarial information to judicial officers; identify those for whom alternative forms of supervision may be more appropriate than incarceration; and monitor released pretrial arrestees to ensure compliance with conditions of release imposed by the judicial officer for the benefit of public safety. The central elements of a program can be grouped into three categories: (1) procedures used before and during the defendant's initial court appearance, (2) procedures used following the initial court appearance to monitor defendants and aid them in making their court appearances, and (3) management and data collection procedures that permit a program to examine the effectiveness of its practices. List of sources of further information and assistance and appended pretrial services standards