NCJ Number
56104
Date Published
1978
Length
48 pages
Annotation
THIS THIRD ANNUAL REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES COURTS DESCRIBES THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE DEMONSTRATION PRETRIAL SERVICES AGENCIES IN 10 DISTRICT COURTS.
Abstract
PRETRIAL SERVICES AGENCIES, AUTHORIZED BY THE SPEEDY TRIAL ACT OF 1974, PERFORM TWO BASIC FUNCTIONS: (1) COMPILATION AND VERIFICATION OF INFORMATION RELATING TO PERSONS CHARGED WITH VIOLATING FEDERAL CRIMINAL LAW FOR THE USE OF FEDERAL JUDICIAL OFFICERS IN SETTING BAIL, AND (2) SUPERVISION OF PERSONS RELEASED INTO THEIR CUSTODY PRIOR TO TRIAL. THE SPEEDY TRIAL ACT REQUIRES THAT INFORMATION BE COMPILED REGARDING THE INFLUENCE OF THE PRETRIAL SERVICES AGENCIES ON THE AMOUNT OF CRIME COMMITTED BY PERSONS ON PRETRIAL RELEASE. AN ANALYSIS OF FELONY AND MISDEMEANOR ARRESTS OF THESE PERSONS IN THE LAST 2 YEARS SHOWS NO DEFINITE TREND IN TERMS OF RECIDIVISM. HOWEVER, THE DATA DO INDICATE THAT THE COST AND LENGTH OF PRETRIAL DETENTION HAS DECREASED IN THESE 10 DISTRICTS, AND THE RATES OF DETENTION AND BAIL VIOLATIONS HAVE BEEN MEASUREABLY REDUCED. THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE PRETRIAL SERVICES AGENCIES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE OUTCOMES IS UNCLEAR, BUT WILL BE DETERMINED IN A LATER REPORT. TABULAR DATA ON ISSUES ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)