NCJ Number
94612
Date Published
1984
Length
156 pages
Annotation
This report examines nonfinancial pretrial release as it has developed in the United States over the last 25 years and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of specific program structures, operations, and policy decisions related to release on recognizance and conditional release options.
Abstract
Information for the study was drawn primarily from telephone interviews in March 1983 with 14 pretrial programs, a literature review, and site visits to 7 additional programs. The document traces the bail reform movement in the 1960's and 1970's and identifies major issues in the pretrial field today--community safety and public sentiment, jail crowding, the information explosion, and confidentiality of information. An analysis of factors affecting pretrial services considers legal authority for pretrial release, criminal court structure, the bailbond industry, community resources, and existing judicial and nonjudicial options. An overview of procedures for release on recognizance and conditional release presents information on objectives, target groups, screening procedures, benefits, and problems. The report also discusses activities conducted by release programs following the release decision and program management issues, such as staffing, training, fiscal responsibilities, public relations, information system development, and impact evaluations. The final section explores emerging issues in the pretrial field: identification of special needs, delegation of release authority, central intake, consideration of danger, bail guidelines, victim assistance, and accreditation. Tables; figures; an executive summary; glossary; and Pretrial Services Unit Procedures, Felony Administrative Recognizance Release, King County, Wash., are supplied.