Pending trial, an individual might be released on their own recognizance. If the court orders a defendant to be supervised pending trial, pretrial services officers perform that function to help ensure compliance with the conditions set by the court. They maintain contact with defendants through various methods, including phone calls, videoconferences, and face-to-face meetings, and in various locations, such as the pretrial services office or the defendant’s home or workplace. Throughout the course of supervision, officers may also communicate with family members, employers, or treatment providers. As a condition of release, defendants may be referred to additional services, such as mental health or substance use disorder treatment programs.
Pretrial services officers are involved at every critical step in the court’s decision-making before a trial begins. They play a vital role in upholding liberty, preserving public safety, and ensuring the fair administration of justice.
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