NCJ Number
79387
Journal
Trial Volume: 17 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1981) Pages: 31-33,81
Date Published
1981
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the history and purposes of the Speedy Trial Act of 1974 and the Pretrial Services Act of 1980 as examples of responsible Federal action to reduce violent crimes committed by persons released on bail.
Abstract
The Pretrial Services Act calls for pretrial services in all Federal judicial districts. The bill provides for probation officers to run the programs for the first 18 months, with more flexibility allowed after this time. The bill was created after a demonstration project received widespread support. The demonstration project consisted of 10 pretrial services agencies set up in 10 representative Federal judicial districts as mandated under Title II of the Speedy Trial Act of 1974. The primary functions of the agencies were to (1) collect, verify, and report promptly to the judicial officer all information pertaining to the pretrial release of persons charged with an offense and recommend appropriate release conditions; (2) review and modify the reports and recommendations; (3) supervise and provide supportive services to persons released in their custody; and (4) inform the court of violation of conditions of release. A table and nine reference notes are included.