Part 6/10:
One recommended strategy is arresting fewer people by issuing citations instead of making arrests for low-level offenses or misdemeanors. This procedure reduces jail populations, alleviates financial burdens on defendants, and minimizes unnecessary incarceration. For example, many jurisdictions now rely on citations that avoid the costs of detention altogether.
Implementing Risk Assessment Tools
States like Washington DC have pioneered the use of risk assessment tools in lieu of cash bail. These tools involve questionnaires evaluating factors such as criminal history, employment status, and previous failure to appear in court. Based on these assessments, judges can make more informed, individualized decisions about pretrial release.