Committees

The NAPSA Communications Committee is responsible for the development and appropriate dissemination of educational and promotional information about pretrial services and the Association. At the request of the NAPSA President and Board of Directors, the Communications Committee also conducts studies on technological applications that may be relevant to pretrial services and produces reports or presentations regarding resulting findings.

The NAPSA Education Committee is responsible for promoting the training and education of pretrial services practitioners through a vibrant certification process and supporting the advancement of pretrial justice standards and evidence-based practices through the training and education of key stakeholders. The committee meets these responsibilities through the enhancement of certification and training that is based on state-of-the-art knowledge in how to effectively advance professional development of staff and develop the capacity of individuals to provide expert technical assistance to the field. 

The purpose of the Diversion Committee is to develop professional training content and testing procedures for pretrial practitioners in the release and diversion field. They produce diversion related publications and subject matter that is placed on the NAPSA website. In addition, the Committee ensures that NAPSA diversion standards are current, advises the Education Committee on development of a diversion certification examination and works with the Accreditation Committee to create diversion program standards for pretrial agencies.

The NAPSA Accreditation Commission is responsible for designing and implementing an effective NAPSA accreditation program, identifying the challenges faced in launching an accreditation program, and developing a system for NAPSA to perform accreditation services on a regular basis.

The NAPSA Standards Committee will regularly update the NAPSA Standard on Pretrial Release. This document will reflect developments in research, case law, statutory reform, and organizational management affecting the field while maintaining foundational legal and evidence-based practices in pretrial justice.