3 Ways Pre-Trial Intervention Achieves Public Safety

In the United States, there’s a common problem: jails are overcrowded, courts and agencies are overburdened, and costs are skyrocketing. To address this issue, courts, probation offices, and agencies across the country are embracing an evidence-based approach: pre-trial intervention. By encouraging an alternative to arrest or charges in appropriate cases, courts and agencies are using  pre-trial intervention to refocus their processes and better serve both individuals and public safety.

Benefits of Pre-Trial Intervention

Promote self-improvement

“Low-risk individuals tend to be self-correcting,” Capt. Bresina of the Eau Claire (WI) Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) says in an interview with Lexipol. But an arrest can disrupt the self-correcting process because it “may interfere with internal controls or positive family and social settings which result in self-correction.” What’s more, jailing low-risk offenders can put them in contact with higher-risk offenders, who can have a negative influence. 

When an offender successfully completes a PTI program, their case is often dismissed, leaving their record clean. This means they can continue down a positive path and avoid the stigma of charges like drug possession when applying for employment. 

Focus time, energy, and resources for more serious matters

Pre-trial intervention helps justice professionals provide the most appropriate and least restrictive levels of supervision. It also tailors the services that are needed, so that low-risk offenders, middle-, and high-risk offenders can receive the necessary levels of supervision and support.  

Keep court dockets smaller

High-volume dockets can threaten the efficiency and integrity of judicial processes. Pre-trial intervention preserves prosecutorial and judicial resources, improving processing by keeping first-time offenders out of the system.

Incorporate Education into Pre-Trial Intervention

To prevent repeat offenses, agencies need programming to address how offenders think. Courses that address common violations like driving under the influence, drug possession, and shoplifting empower low-risk offenders with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to reduce and avoid harmful behaviors. 

Need an easy, accessible solution to educate first-time offenders under your care? 3rd Millennium Classrooms offers 100% online courses that incorporate evidence-based strategies like behavioral surveys and personalized feedback to reduce recidivism. Become a referral partner for free by calling (888) 810-7990, or emailing hello@3rdmil.com. 

References

1. “Eau Claire (WI) Sheriff’s Office Successfully Employs Pre-Charge Diversion.” Lexipol. https://www.lexipol.com/resources/blog/eau-claire-wi-sheriffs-office-successfully-employs-pre-charge-diversion/
2. “Pretrial Diversion Programs: Research Summary.” Bureau of Justice Administration. https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/PretrialDiversionResearchSummary.pdf