Research On The Effectiveness Of Pretrial Support And Supervision Services:

Various pretrial programs have been implemented across U.S. jurisdictions in an effort to improve pretrial outcomes while reducing jail overcrowding and costs associated with pretrial detention. To support implementation of evidence-based pretrial practices, the Criminal Justice Innovation Lab (CJIL) reviewed available research on the effectiveness of various pretrial support and supervision programs on outcomes such as failures to appear (FTA) and new criminal activity (NCA). Specifically, we looked for research on the following types of pretrial support and supervision services: court date notification systems, supervised release, electronic monitoring (EM), drug testing, drug treatment, childcare, transportation, alcohol testing, alcohol treatment, and mental health services.

We found no studies for childcare, transportation, alcohol testing, alcohol treatment, or mental health. That does not mean that these services are not provided. Rather, no studies appear to have been conducted examining their effectiveness. We did however find research on the effectiveness of court date notification systems, supervised release, electronic monitoring, drug testing, and drug treatment, and each of these services is summarized and discussed in separate sections of this document. A table listing individual study findings can be found at the end of each section.