While bail has often determined who stays in jail and who goes home, pretrial services offer another option—focusing on what people need to show up for court and continue with their lives while they wait for their case to move forward.
The Bail Reform Act of 1966 was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson who said, “A man, regardless of his financial status…shall not needlessly be detained…when detention serves neither the ends of justice nor the public interest.”
Since that time, pretrial services have quietly provided structure and support to thousands of people every year. They help individuals maintain employment, care for their families, and stay connected to their communities—all while fulfilling their legal responsibilities.
The Human Core of Pretrial Services
Pretrial officers are central to all of this. Their role goes beyond keeping track of people—they listen to, problem-solve, and connect clients with resources like housing, health care, and employment.
Pretrial officers work closely with judges, lawyers, and clients to make expectations clear and provide steady guidance through the process. Every person’s situation is unique. That’s why pretrial officers and judges use tools to assess things like community ties and safety concerns.
Assessments help create a plan for each person—whether that means simple reminders to appear in court, regular check-ins, electronic monitoring, or substance testing.
The goal isn’t to make life harder, but to give people the tools and structure they need to meet their obligations and avoid new problems. As one officer puts it, “I’m part of two important tasks, not only am I working to help preserve community safety, and looking out for the public, but I’m also working every day to help people make positive changes in their lives.”
Dispelling Misconceptions
There’s a common stereotype that pretrial officers are waiting for clients to slip up. In reality, many officers are their clients’ strongest supporters. They want people to succeed because every positive outcome strengthens families and communities.
Trust matters. Officers who listen, show empathy, and understand where clients are coming from see better engagement and more progress. Accountability is important, but it goes hand in hand with support.
Tools and Services to Achieve Better Outcomes
Pretrial officers rely on a range of tools and services to support their clients and help them meet their obligations. These resources are designed to promote stability, accountability, and long-term success—both for the individuals and their communities.
Technology and Communication
Modern case management platforms and mobile apps enable officers to stay connected with clients, send court date reminders, and facilitate regular check-ins. These tools help reduce missed appearances and keep communication consistent and accessible.
Support Services
Pretrial officers often connect clients with essential services that address underlying challenges. This includes housing assistance, mental health, substance use treatment, and access to employment and education programs. This support is critical to helping individuals stabilize their lives and move forward.
Data and Analytics
Agencies use data to track outcomes, identify trends, and improve decision-making. Analytics also support transparency and accountability, helping ensure that services are equitable and effective.
Together, these tools empower officers to do more—they guide, support, and advocate for their clients every step of the way.
Technology and Resources to Help Strengthen Pretrial Practices
For more than 45 years, BI Incorporated supports agencies with technologies that are effective, flexible, and fair alternatives to jail. BI technologies enable pretrial services agencies to release individuals to community supervision where they can live their lives, support families, and contribute to the community. In turn, with the support of these innovative tools, supervising officers gain a much better understanding of how a person is doing in the community, while ensuring conditions of release are met.
But it’s not just about technology. In collaboration with GEO Reentry Services, pretrial and release services help agencies maintain compliance with conditions of release, connect individuals to helpful community resources, and keep them engaged with court proceedings. There are many proven solutions for judges and agencies as part of a continuum of response, including:
- Evidence-based programs
- Case management
- Risk & Needs assessments
- Community-based programs
- Connections to local services
- Pretrial and release support services
Services can be delivered within existing agency offices or in dedicated community locations, making it easier for people to get the help they need and for agencies to coordinate care.
A Stronger System Through Partnership and Progress
Pretrial services continue to adapt as needs change. Agencies are focused on fairness, community-based solutions, and reaching people who need the most help. Officers are at the heart of it all, balancing accountability with advocacy every day.
With the right team behind you, success can reach everyone—clients, families, agencies, and communities. BI Incorporated stands alongside officers and agencies in this important work, helping people move forward both in court and back at home.