Season 2, Episode 50 - Exploring the Vital Role of Pretrial Services in El Paso County

Exploring the Vital Role of Pretrial Services in El Paso County

 

In the latest episode of "Beyond the Dais," host Scott Anderson delves into the crucial role of pretrial services in El Paso County. Joined by Christine Burns and Don Montoya from El Paso County Justice Services, the podcast sheds light on the importance of these services in supporting public safety, individual rights, and the well-being of the community.

The Evolution of Pretrial Services:  Pretrial services in El Paso County have undergone significant growth and transformation over the years. Initially housed under the Sheriff's Office, the program was moved to the county's administration to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Since 2012, the team has expanded from a single individual to a robust group of professionals dedicated to providing supervision and support services to those awaiting trial.

Assessing Risk and Providing Information:  One of the primary functions of pretrial services is to assess individuals for qualification for personal recognizance (PR) bonds. Using the Colorado Pretrial Service Assessment Tool (CPAT), staff members evaluate criminal history and risk factors to provide accurate information to judicial officers before the initial advisement hearing. This data helps ensure that decisions regarding release and bond conditions are well-informed and tailored to each individual case.

Supporting Defendants and Ensuring Compliance:  Pretrial services staff play a vital role in guiding defendants through the legal process. They meet with individuals released on PR bond to explain conditions and requirements, refer them to relevant resources, and help them navigate the court system. By offering support and addressing barriers such as transportation issues or domestic violence situations, pretrial services aim to ensure that defendants appear in court and avoid new charges.

Building Trust and Maintaining Impartiality:  To effectively serve the community, pretrial services staff must build trust with clients while maintaining impartiality. This is achieved through transparent communication, motivational interviewing, and a commitment to providing consistent, high-quality service. Despite the challenges of reaching unhoused individuals or those without phones, the team employs various strategies to ensure that essential services are delivered to all defendants, regardless of their circumstances.

Addressing Challenges and Achieving Success:  Pretrial services staff face a range of challenges in their work, from implicit biases to the complex needs of defendants facing housing, addiction, and mental health issues. To overcome these obstacles, the department conducts implicit bias training for staff and collaborates with partners to provide cost-effective essential services. Success is measured not only by reducing new arrests and failures to appear but also by helping individuals find stability and support on their path to justice.

The work of pretrial services in El Paso County highlights the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and upholding individual rights. By providing risk assessment, information to the courts, and support to defendants, the dedicated professionals in this field play a crucial role in promoting a fair and effective justice system. As the community continues to navigate the challenges of the legal landscape, the importance of pretrial services in maintaining stability, transparency, and trust cannot be overstated.