NCJ Number
73032
Journal
Australian Police Journal Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1980) Pages: 139-158
Date Published
1980
Length
20 pages
Annotation
In response to charges of defects and abuse in the police bailing process in Australia levied since the introduction of the Bail Act (1977), investigations were made which showed police bail actions to be highly professional.
Abstract
Several investigations were conducted in response to specific charges against the police bail system in Victoria. The records of 216 persons detained at Heidelberg Police Station during the 6 months ending June 30, 1979, were examined to investigate charges of police abuse of bail procedures. That investigation showed that 76 percent of those detained were bailed by the police and 36 persons believed to represent a risk were referred to justices or to a Stipendiary Magistrate. Most (107) of those released by the police were released without monetary involvement. A study of bail absconders during the 12 months ending June 30, 1978, noted a considerable decline in the number of offenses for which absconders have failed to appear when compared to years prior to the 1977 Bail Act. To respond to charges that many unconvicted persons remain in custody, a survey was taken of all persons held in custody at the Remand Section of Pentridge on June 19, 1979. A total of 116 unconvicted persons were in custody at that time, and 114 of them had had bail applications heard by magistrates. Along with 11 other unconvicted persons in custody at other prisons, they represented only 8.2 percent of all prisoners at the time of the survey. Further studies indicate that the State maintains a clear interest in persons awaiting trial. Tables, footnotes, and about 40 references are included.