The Michigan Professional Bail Agents Association (MPBAA) met in Ann Arbor, Michigan on April 20, 2010. Looking at the success the Virginians for the Preservation of Bail had, Mike Donovan from that organization was invited to speak. They met with the goal of brainstorming ideas to help strengthen the Michigan commercial bail industry.
Donovan explained in detail the success this advocacy group had in their fight against pretrial release. Many bail agents pulled together and invested time and money to get the message out to the public that the people of Virginia were less safe because of pretrial release all at the expense of the taxpayer. Their hard work paid off and pretrial services in Virginia saw their budget cut by 16 million dollars.
Everyone in attendance agreed that now is the time to unite and fight pretrial services in Michigan. Another meeting will be scheduled to discuss a campaign plan as well as a financial plan. Several of the attendees have already committed to donating to this cause. If you would like to support the Michigan Professional Bail Agents Association, please contact President Jeff Kirkpatrick at (517) 788-9150.