The Pre-Trial Unit conducts assessments on defendants for felony charges and monitor those who are released pending trial. The unit uses the Public Safety Assessment (PSA), which is an evidence-based tool that considers many factors to help predict the defendant’s likelihood to appear for hearings, to remain free of a new criminal arrest and of committing a violent offense.  This information assists the Court in making informed release decisions. If a defendant is released, a decision matrix is utilized to help determine conditions of release.

The conditions of release range from court reminder phone calls, weekly check-ins, field contacts, continuous alcohol monitoring, to GPS tracking. Staff monitor defendants’ compliance with these conditions and report their progress back to the Court. Furthermore, defendants are provided resource information to assist with their needs during the pretrial process.  These efforts increase the likelihood of defendants appearing for court hearings and reduces risk of re-offending while out of custody.