NCJ Number
88212
Date Published
1982
Length
162 pages
Annotation
This study evaluates the policies and procedures having a positive impact on reducing the pretrial detainee population of local jails participating in LEAA's Jail Overcrowding and Pretrial Detainee Program.
Abstract
A case study design presented data reflecting on the willingness and ability of jurisdictions to initiate and support an alternatives program, and site-by-site before and after data gave information on the number of releases, as well as jail population and release performance measures. Evidence indicates that the program was a success. Projects appeared to be able to slow the rate of jail population increases. They increased and expanded release options, made release more equitable by reducing reliance on cash bail, reduced average length of stay prior to release, and improved information and detainee management procedures. The report presents the background characteristics, program implementation goals, and program results for 12 participating jurisdictions. It includes 21 recommendations for improving postarrest and pretrial processes to reduce the pretrial jail population and to discourage inequitable use of incarceration for indigent defendants. Case studies are given for Atlantic County, N.J.; Dade County, Fla.; Delaware; Jefferson County, Ky.; Multnomah County, Oreg.; Orleans Parish, La.; and San Francisco County, Calif.; Alexandria, Va.; Baltimore City, Md.; Boulder County, Colo.; Clark County, Nev.; and Milwaukee County, Wisc. are profiled. Data tables and over 70 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)