NCJ Number
66460
Date Published
1979
Length
57 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT EVALUATES THE 5 YEARS OF OPERATION OF THE CHESTER COUNTY, PA., BAIL AGENCY, A PROJECT FUNDED BY LEAA.
Abstract
AGENCY TASKS ARE TO INTERVIEW DEFENDANTS REGARDING POTENTIAL BAIL, VERIFY THE INFORMATION PROVIDED, EVALUATE THE INDIVIDUAL'S BAIL POTENTIAL AND RISK, MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COURTS, AND COMMUNICATE WITH RELEASED DEFENDANTS ABOUT SCHEDULED COURT APPEARANCES. THE AGENCY HAS FUNCTIONED WELL, BUT OFTEN HAS TO SUPERVISE DEFENDANTS RELEASED BY DISTRICT JUDGES WITHOUT AGENCY INVOLVEMENT. THE AGENCY SHOULD BE GIVEN AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THROUGHOUT THE COURT SYSTEM. THE BAIL AGENCY PROCESSES 500 DEFENDANTS ANNUALLY AND HAS OPERATED EFFICIENTLY DURING A TIME OF INCREASING ARRESTS. THE PROGRAM IS WELL-CONCEIVED, WELL-ADMINISTERED, AND REASONABLE IN COST. IT SHOULD BE CONTINUED AND PERIODICALLY EVALUATED. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT (1) BAIL AGENCY FUNCTIONS AS SPECIFIED IN THE PENNSYLVANIA RULES BE MADE FULLY OPERATIONAL AT ALL COURT LEVELS; (2) A MORE CENTRALIZED INITIAL ARRAIGNMENT SYSTEM BE CONSIDERED; (3) SIMPLIFIED BAIL CRITERIA BE IMPLEMENTED; (4) DEFENDANTS BE RELEASED WITH A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR SUPERVISION; (5) THE BAIL AGENCY BE ABLE TO HAVE MORE FREQUENT BAIL REVIEW HEARINGS; AND (6) BAIL AGENCY AND MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES DEVELOP A PLAN FOR SUPERVISION OF REALEASED MENTAL PATIENTS. EXTENSIVE TABLES ARE INCLUDED. (CFW)