NEW PRETRIAL POLICY PROJECT TO BE LAUNCHED BY 11TH CIRCUIT
After two years of planning with local police, prosecutors, public defenders, corrections officials and social service providers, the 11th Judicial Circuit is preparing to
launch the "Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research" project.
Chief Judge Nushin Sayfie said the goal is the increase public safety,
address inequities in the system, and arm judges with better information to make pretrial release decisions.
"What we're realizing is that bail, in
and of itself without any other factors, is not effective, and that's just a data-driven statement," she said. "That comes to us from experts in jurisdictions from all around the country."
No date has been set, but officials expect to launch the project later this year, according to Sayfie.
Arnold Ventures, previously
known as the Arnold Foundation, is supporting the project through a competitive grant. "Investing in evidence-based solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice" is the core mission as described by the non-profit.
The 11th Circuit, State Attorney's Office, Public Defender's Office, Dade Chiefs of Police, the Homeless Trust, Miami-Dade Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and Thriving Mind South Florida all worked together on this project. The grant will help support that collaboration.
Officials stressed in a recent announcement that the project will not eliminate cash bail or first appearance hearings.
