We would like to thank everyone who participated in our Victim Advocacy Survey over the past several weeks. The results of the survey are in and they are very telling in terms of the potential role that bail agents can play in assisting crime victims. In fact the interactions that occur between bail agents and actual victims are much higher than even we initially thought.
For example, 86% of bail agents have an interaction with a crime victim at least once a month. 46% of bail agents have an interaction with a crime victim at least once a week. Some other key findings include the following:
72% of bail agents have gone out of their way to help a victim at some point
75% of agents are interested in receiving more information on the role they can play
While 60% of agents said they are allowed to put electronic monitoring on defendants, only 18% actually did
82% of agents do put extra conditions on a defendant beyond those set by the court
You are probably asking yourself, why are these numbers important? The answer is simple. For years the bail industry has carried an image of insensitivity, carelessness and greed. While we all know that these attributes are unfair representations of our industry, the general public doesn’t. By showing that we do interact with victims and have the potential to be a true facilitator in the process, we can shed a new light on our industry…one that is more accurate and represents the majority of bail agents. Stay tuned for more on this as we continue to build our alliance with the National Center for Victims of Crime.
The full results of the survey are presented below.
How often do you interact with victims?
| 22% | Daily |
| 23% | Weekly |
| 30% | A Few times a month |
| 11% | Once a month |
| 9% | Every few months |
| 6% | Never |
Approximately how many victims do you interact with in a month?
| 8% | None |
| 14% | One |
| 9% | Two |
| 18% | Three |
| 16% | Four |
| 36% | >Four |
With Victims of what type do you most commonly interact?
| 6% | Stalking |
| 9% | Sexual Assualt |
| 95% | Domestic Violence |
| 12% | Property claims |
| 9% | Other |
In your State, do victims of crimes have the right to be informed….(If YES, check all that apply)
| 61% | about the status of the case |
| 52% | when someone is arrested |
| 52% | when someone escapes from custody |
| 76% | when someone is released on bail |
| 44% | when a plea agreement is entered |
| 3% | They do not have the right to be informed |
| 66% | I am unsure |
If you answered YES to any of the above, who do you believe is responsible for providing this information/notification?
| 38% | Jail |
| 23% | Police |
| 25% | Court |
| 48% | Prosecutor |
| 4% | None of the above |
| 32% | All of the above |
In your state, do you know whether victims of serious crimes have the right to be heard at a hearing on pretrial release, or the revocation or modification of pretrial release?
| 64% | Yes |
| 36% | No |
In your jurisdiction, are bail agents authorized to place defendants on electronic monitoring?
| 59% | Yes |
| 41% | No |
Have you placed defendants on electronic monitoring?
| 18% | Yes |
| 82% | No |
Do you ever place extra conditions on a defendant’s actions beyond those set by the court?
| 78% | Yes |
| 22% | No |
For which of the following issues would you like additional information or training?
| 18% | Elder Abuse |
| 82% | Child Abuse |
| 35% | Stalking |
| 31% | Witness Intimidation |
| 48% | Domestic violence |
| 68% | Victims rights |
| 75% | Services available to victims |
| 56% | Financial compensation |
Have you had an instance where you have been able to assist a victim of a crime through your work?
| 72% | Yes |
| 28% | No |