NCJ Number
43687
Date Published
1976
Length
46 pages
Annotation
THE ACTIVITIES AND IMPACT OF THE DELAWARE COUNTY, PA., BAIL AGENCY OVER A 9-MONTH PERIOD ARE ASSESSED, AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING THE AGENCY'S PROGRAM ARE OFFERED.
Abstract
THE BASIC PURPOSES OF THE BAIL AGENCY ARE TO ENABLE AS MANY DEFENDANTS AS POSSIBLE TO ENJOY PRETRIAL FREEDOM WITHOUT BEING PENALIZED FOR INABILITY TO AFFORD BAIL AND TO INSURE THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF DEFENDANTS APPEAR AT SCHEDULED HEARINGS. THE AGENCY'S EVALUATION REPORT FOCUSES ON NEWLY DEVELOPED RELEASE CRITERIA TO BE USED IN ESTIMATING RISK OF FLIGHT AND IN MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COURTS REGARDING BAIL, ON VERIFICATION PROCEDURES USED BY THE AGENCY IN PROCESSING INFORMATION ON DEFENDANTS, AND ON ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROGRAM. THE AGENCY IS FOUND TO BE EFFECTIVE IN PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS: INTERVIEWING DEFENDANTS REGARDING ELIGIBILITY FOR BAIL; VERIFYING INFORMATION RELATIVE TO BAIL POTENTIAL AND BAIL RISK; PRESENTING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COURTS; AND COMMUNICATING WITH RELEASED DEFENDANTS REGARDING SCHEDULED COURT APPEARANCES. AMONG RECOMMENDATIONS IS THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE PRETRIAL SERVICE PROGRAM INCORPORATING PROVISIONS FOR PLACING DEFENDANTS IN APPROPRIATE TREATMENT PROGRAMS DURING THE PRETRIAL PERIOD. DETAILS OF THE AGENCY'S INTERVIEWING AND VERIFICATION PROCEDURES ARE APPENDED. SUPPORTING DATA ARE NOT INCLUDED.