Pretrial Services
The Pretrial Services Department was established in 1990 to reduce the rate at which defendants were failing to appear for court and to offer a viable alternative to housing pretrial defendants in jail. In 1995, the Department was merged with the Adult Probation Department, enabling the latter to provide a continuation of services from the time of arrest through a term of probation. By offering prebond interviews and pretrial supervision, the Adult Probation Department enhances public safety and improves the efficiency of the courts.
 
Prebond interviews are conducted by officers prior to a defendant's bond hearing to gather information that will assist the court in making decisions about bond and, if applicable, about the conditions of pretrial supervision. Of those interviewed, 98 percent are defendants who have been charged with felony offenses. During an interview, the pretrial officer obtains information regarding the defendant's criminal record, drug and alcohol use, employment history, educational level, family situation and mental health history. The officer then scores a Bond Recommendation Form designed to predict risk of flight, risk of reoffense and level of threat to community safety. The form takes into consideration stability of residence, employment status, prior arrests and convictions, previous performance while released on bond and the current charge. Pertinent information is made available to the court during the bond hearing.
 
Pretrial supervision allows defendants to be monitored in the community while awaiting trial. Officers monitor defendants' compliance with conditions of bond, and through guidance, surveillance and referrals to appropriate service providers, assist defendants in meeting these conditions. Selecting from a variety of sanctions, the court can impose conditions that address the particular risks and needs of each defendant. In addition to being required to report to a pretrial officer, defendants can be required to:

comply with home confinement or curfews; submit to drug testing; undergo alcohol/substance abuse treatment; avoid contact with victims and complaining witnesses; maintain employment; provide verification of residence; refrain from possessing a firearm; participate in educational or vocational programs; and attend psychiatric counseling.

Officers keep the court apprised of the defendant's compliance by providing status reports at each court hearing.

 
Investigations Division
The Department's Investigations Division was established in 1994. Prior to that time all caseload officers were writing presentence and pretrial investigations. Specialization of this function improved efficiency and quality. The Investigations Division has approximately 34 officers and completes an average of nearly 6,000 investigations annually.
 
Presentence investigations are written to assist the court in making sentencing decisions. Officers conduct interviews to gather background information regarding a defendant's criminal record, drug and alcohol use, employment history, financial stability, educational level, family situation, mental health history and peer associations. For probationable offenses, reports include recommendations about probation programs and special conditions that may be suited to a defendant's individual risks and needs.