Davis County Pretrial Services

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Davis County Pretrial Services was launched in 2019 after a four-year review of the state’s pretrial release and supervision practices. In 2014, there was only one dedicated pretrial services program in Utah. In a state with a limited pretrial presence and scarce stand-alone pretrial programs, Davis County has become the second county in Utah to implement an independent pretrial services program. The purpose of Pretrial Services is provide non-financial jail release for individuals pending trial, monitoring of release conditions aimed at court appearance and public safety, and providing supportive services to boost success during the pretrial phase. The program quickly gained the respect of the judges and stakeholders and the program is viewed as a vital component in the local justice system. One Judge put it this way, “You have helped us "up our game" so much in the area of pretrial release! I feel like we are doing a better job of honoring people's right to be out of custody when possible, while increasing the likelihood that they will attend their court hearings. You are all to be thanked and commended for your excellent work!”