Pretrial Supervision Program (PSP)

The pretrial release program has a goal of effectively reducing the local detention center population while protecting public safety and allowing defendants to maintain work and family relations. Individuals deemed appropriate for release may be released into the community after an appearance before a Court Commissioner. The program’s mission is to ensure the defendant’s appearance at court hearings and to reduce the instances of defendants committing new crimes while on pretrial release. People that are not initially released by the Commissioner are screened daily for possible future release. During bail review, the PSP staff will assist the court with any recommendations for release. All clients have a minimum of two contacts per month. Based on the risk assessment score, contacts consist of either phone or in person reporting or some combination of both. Individuals recommended for pretrial release will be assigned to a level of supervision based on their risk assessment score. The tool used for risk assessment is the Applied Correction Transition Strategy (ACTS). The participant must comply with all general requirements and any special conditions as ordered by the court. Participants may be subject to drug/alcohol testing and treatment. Participants are placed on GPS monitoring for a minimum of 45 days as part of the program. County Howard County, Md. Featured Resources Announcing 2022 Achievement Award Winners Achievement Award Category Criminal Justice and Public Safety