The pretrial field sits at one of the most consequential intersections in the justice system—the space between arrest and case resolution, where decisions made in hours or days can have life-altering consequences for individuals, families, and communities.
In this environment, ongoing education is not a luxury; it is a professional and ethical imperative.
As the field continues to evolve—with new research on pretrial assessment, shifting policy landscapes, and growing attention to equity—staying current through education is what separates good practice from great practice.
Strong professional development doesn’t just benefit individual practitioners. It strengthens outcomes across the entire pretrial ecosystem. Well-trained practitioners deliver more consistent and fair outcomes. Agencies operate more effectively and demonstrate accountability. And communities benefit from a system that balances public safety with individual rights
What Is the NAPSA Education Committee?
The NAPSA Education Committee serves as the engine for professional growth within the pretrial field.
At its core, the committee is responsible for developing, promoting, and delivering the
NAPSA Fundamentals Training Track—the foundation of education for pretrial services practitioners. It also supports practitioner certification and advances NAPSA’s standards and evidence-based practices through education.
The committee is currently chaired by Aaron Johnson, with support from Board Liaison
Janice Radovick-Dean, and includes members from a wide range of agencies across the country. This diversity ensures that training reflects real-world practice across jurisdictions and roles.
What the Committee Does
The Education Committee’s work spans the full continuum of professional development—from foundational learning for new practitioners to advanced training for seasoned leaders.
Through NAPSA’s broader strategies—including the Annual Conference and Training Institute, certification programs, and technical assistance—the committee helps shape and deliver content that is both practical and evidence-based.
Training is delivered in multiple formats, including:
- Webinars
- Conference sessions
- Certification-aligned coursework
Topics are selected based on what matters most in the field—from pretrial assessment tools and supervision practices to legal updates, equity considerations, and emerging research.
Real-World Impact
The impact of the Education Committee’s work shows up in everyday practice.
From frontline officers to agency directors, practitioners who engage in NAPSA training leave with a stronger understanding of both the history of pretrial in the United States and how to apply that knowledge in real-world decision-making.
Education helps practitioners:
- Apply validated tools with greater accuracy
- Reduce reliance on bias and inconsistency
- Communicate recommendations more effectively to judges, prosecutors, and defense counsel
Ultimately, education creates a feedback loop of improvement—supporting innovation while strengthening consistency and accountability across the field.
Advancing NAPSA’s Mission
The Education Committee is one of the most direct ways NAPSA’s mission comes to life. NAPSA is committed to advancing legal and evidence-based standards and education—and the Education Committee leads the charge in delivering on that promise.
Through its work, the committee helps move the field toward a pretrial system that is:
- Fair
- Effective
- Grounded in evidence
One practitioner, one agency, and one training at a time.
What’s Ahead
The Education Committee continues to evolve alongside the field.
With ongoing webinars and annual conference programming in development, the focus remains on staying ahead of emerging trends and ensuring practitioners have access to timely, relevant training.
Resources for Members
NAPSA offers a wide range of educational resources designed to support professional growth, including:
- Practitioner certification programs
- Webinars and virtual learning
- Annual Conference and Training Institute
- Publications and technical assistance
Agencies can integrate these resources into their local training plans—whether through staff meetings, certification pathways, or conference participation.
Get Involved
The Education Committee is driven by its members—and its strength comes from practitioner engagement.
There are many ways to contribute:
- Join the committee
- Present at a webinar or conference
- Share subject-matter expertise
Whether your expertise is in assessment, supervision, behavioral health, data analysis, or another area, your experience can help shape the future of pretrial education.
Member Voice: Shaping the Future
The most valuable resource the Education Committee has is the voice of the field itself.
Practitioners on the front lines know where training gaps exist, where guidance is needed, and where innovation is happening.
Members are encouraged to:
- Share ideas for future training topics
- Provide feedback on existing programming
- Get involved in developing and delivering content
The Education Committee exists to serve the field—and the field is made up of you.
