NCJ Number
18500
Date Published
1975
Length
35 pages
Annotation
ANALYSIS OF THE FIRST 30-MONTH OPERATIONAL PERIOD OF DELAWARE'S PRETRIAL RELEASE PROGRAM, WHICH WAS INSTITUTED TO AID COURTS IN MAKING BAIL AND CONDITIONAL RELEASE DECISIONS AND TO PROVIDE FOLLOW-UP SUPERVISION.
Abstract
DURING THIS 30-MONTH PERIOD, WHICH BEGAN IN JULY 1972, 339 PERSONS WERE CONDITIONALLY RELEASED AS A RESULT OF REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS MADE TO THE COURTS BY THE PROJECT STAFF. THE 21 DISTINCT CONDITIONS OF RELEASE IMPOSED DURING THE PERIOD ARE PRESENTED IN THIS REPORT, ALONG WITH TABLES SHOWING COMPLIANCE RATES, A RELEASEES' PROFILE, AND CASE DISPOSITIONS. IN ADDITION TO AIDING COURT DECISION-MAKING, THE PROJECT SHOWED MERIT BY REDUCING THE TIME BETWEEN ARREST AND THE STAFF'S REPORT TO THE COURT (IN TWO OF THREE COUNTIES), AND BY REDUCING THE COST OF INCARCERATION FOR PERSONS AWAITING TRIAL IN DEFAULT OF BAIL. STAFF VACANCIES DUE TO RESTRICTIONS IN THE STATE CIVIL SERVICE HIRING PROCESS INCREASED THE DEMAND ON THE EXISTING STAFF AND DECREASED THE PROJECT'S COST-BENEFIT TO THE STATE. OTHER MAJOR PROBLEMS INVOLVED DATA DEFICIENCIES, SPECIFICALLY IN FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION AND CLIENT HISTORIES. THE APPENDIXES CONTAIN STAFF POSITION DESCRIPTIONS, A PRETRIAL RELEASE QUESTIONNAIRE, AND A FORM OUTLINING THE POINT SYSTEM.