NCJ Number
122067
Date Published
1989
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the Rutgers Study, describes critical aspects of the New Jersey Supervised Pretrial Release program (SPTR) which is designed for defendants who cannot make cash bail or satisfy release on recognizance requirements, and identifies other program models and evaluations.
Abstract
Empirical research previously conducted on other programs indicates that release on SPTR results in higher appearance rates than other felony releases, that the highest rearrest and failures to appear were among property offenders and those with substantial criminal histories, that intensive supervision improves court appearance rates, that social services do not improve outcomes, and that SPTR alone cannot reduce jail populations. The Rutgers Study focuses on one SPTR program in Middlesex County and two in Essex County. The Middlesex County program gives defendants an opportunity to remain free, obtain employment, and seek substance abuse treatment. The SPTR affects the efficiency and effectiveness of court operations. It prepares defendants for probation supervision and has a positive effect on other criminal justice system components. Eligible defendants are third or fourth degree offenders who have minimal prior records and have a stable residence, employment, and community sponsor. The participants are given a list of conditions such as regular reports to the assigned officers, wristlets, mandatory treatments and counseling, curfew, and home detention. Non-compliance is handled with responses ranging from revocation to counseling. In Essex County, the non-wristlet program occurs at the post-arrest stage of the criminal adjudication process; the participants are usually nonviolent, lesser drug offenders who would normally receive noncustodial sentence. They are required to report regularly to a probation officer to verify employment and substance abuse counseling, and to maintain contact with the criminal justice system. The Essex County Wristlet Program is designed for indicted defendants who are third or fourth degree offenders with minimal prior records, a suitable residence, and stable employment and community ties. Compliance is monitored through court-imposed conditions and house calls. The Rutgers Study recommends further evaluation and development of SPTR programs in New Jersey, development of specific goals, individualized programs for local jurisdictions, and jurisdiction-specific objective criteria for defendant selection. 3 figures, 1 note, 13 references, 1 appendix.