David B. Muhlhausen, Ph.D., the Senior Policy Analyst in the Center for Data Analysis at The Heritage Foundation, wrote a very interesting WebMemo entitled “Get Out of Jail Free: Why Byrne Grants Should Not Be Part of the Economic Stimulus Package.” We invite everyone to read this alarming article on how Pretrial Services Agencies are wasting valuable taxpayer dollars at the expense of public safety.
According to Dr. Muhlhausen, Pretrial Service Agencies have access to Justice Assistant Grant Programs (JAG) which allows them to potentially tap into billions of dollars in government grants designed to stimulate the economy. While Pretrial Service Agencies have many responsibilities, one of them is assisting with the release of indigents from jail. Unfortunately, as most bail bond agents know, this responsibility has expanded to include the release of those who are not truly indigent. In other words, people for whom the program was not intended are being released on their own recognizance with no assurance of their appearance in court.
Dr. Muhlhausen highlights the following arguments against funding Pretrial Service Agencies with Byrne JAG grants:
· The Unnecessary Expansion of Pretrial: “The mission of too many pretrial service agencies has expanded beyond helping indigents to include operating release programs for defendants who would normally secure release through private [surety bail] bond agents.”
· The Private Sector Does it Better (Again): “Compared to other types of pretrial release, research indicates that private bond agents are more effective at ensuring defendants make their court appearances.”
· Jeopardizing the Public’s Safety: “The activities funded by these grant programs are not the types of activities that will provide a stimulus or ‘shock’ to the economy. Instead, Byrne JAG grants may actually promote policies that jeopardize public safety.”