The South Carolina Bail Agents Association held a continuing education meeting on November 4, 2009 in Columbia, SC. In attendance were over 140 people, including agents, sureties and vendors. Speakers included the following:
• Willie Seawright and Mary O’Brien from the South Carolina Department of Insurance, Licensing Division
• Brian Shipwash, North Carolina Clerk of Superior Court, Davidson County
• Darrel Campbell and Darryl Ogburn, Lobbyists
• Representative John King, South Carolina House of Representatives
• Walter Leverette and Bob McCurdy, SC Court Administration
• Mark Holtschneider, Lexington National Insurance Corporation
The most urgent of the presentation topics was by Mr. Shipwash around Pre-trial release. His primary message to the agents was about responsibility…with the focus being on the local agency and the role it needs to play in protecting both itself and the industry overall. He emphasized the importance of building, maintaining and growing the relationships with county officials.
Mr. Shipwash provided the group with some insights into the mission and motivation behind NAPSA, the Pre-trial Justice Institute, and the research company Luminosity (which provides jail studies to the National Institute of Corrections). According to Mr. Shipwash, all these groups are connected, and are relying on a clear, common anti-bail message: “PTR Programs are morally, legally and financially the right thing to do.” Mr. Shipwash also pointed out that four county officials from Lexington County, SC, attended the recent NAPSA Conference, proving the growing interest in Pre-trial in SC. He noted that one of the courses taught at the NAPSA conference actually provides instructions to officials on how to fight efforts to fight pre-trial. The signs are definitely on the wall, and action needs to be taken by all.
Some of the recommendations for action made to attending agents by Mr. Shipwash included:
• Get on a committee in their county and stay involved
• Look and act in a professional manner when dealing with your elected officials
• Keep track of violations of public trust
• Actively participate in the Public Safety Council Committee or its equivalent
• Organize locally and statewide to create one voice
• Do research to find out what the cost per day is to house an inmate in your county
• Gather statistics and supporting research
Lastly, Mr. Shipwash made a point to communicate the important role that the statewide organization plays in the fight against PTR and the need for support and unity from everyone. For information on how you can best fight Pre-trial in your state or county, please contact our team at [email protected]. For additional information on the SCBAA and how to get involved, visit, www.scbaa.org.