NCJ Number
138021
Date Published
1992
Length
89 pages
Annotation
This Study evaluated the degree to which British bail information schemes have been successful in diverting defendants from detention and identified the mechanism for successful diversion.
Abstract
The aim of the British bail information schemes is for bail information officers to provide the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) with information that will aid them in their remand request to the court. The information typically consists of a statement that the defendant has a place to reside should bail be granted. This statement is provided to both the CPS and the defense solicitor. The intent is that bail information will reduce unnecessary detentions. To assess the operation of bail information schemes, fieldwork was conducted at four schemes: three based at magistrates courts in Blackpool, Kingston upon Hull, and Manchester and one at Lincoln Prison. Various participants in the process were interviewed, and the operations of the schemes were monitored and analyzed. The study found the three court-based schemes to be effective in reducing detentions, but through different means. Although less information was available on the Lincoln Prison Scheme, it apparently diverted defendants from second remands in custody. The study concluded that bail information will be most effective in a court with a high rate of detention a local CPS who is prepared to reconsider police requests and use bail information as a means to achieve more independent decisionmaking, and defense solicitors who are prepared to make a bail application at first appearance. 6 tables and 17 references