NAPSA 2026 Annual Conference

August 30 - September 2, 2026

Grand Sierra Resort | Reno, NV



Judicial Education Track


The National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA) is proud to offer a Judicial Education Track at its Annual Conference - an exclusive series of courses designed by judges, for judges, focused on the critical role of judicial leadership in pretrial decision-making.


This track provides a rare opportunity to step back from the daily pace of the courtroom and engage with colleagues from across the country on the most pressing issues in pretrial justice today. Courses will examine the judge’s role before, during, and after initial appearance, with practical guidance rooted in national standards, current research, and real-world experience. Sessions will be led by experienced judicial officers and nationally recognized pretrial experts, offering candid discussion, peer-to-peer learning, and actionable strategies that judges can apply immediately in their own courts.


Judge’s gavel hovering above a wooden base on a dark courtroom table.

  Participants will explore topics such as:

  • Judicial leadership in release and detention decisions
  • The appropriate use of pretrial assessments and services
  • Managing public safety, court appearance, and reform expectations
  • Building effective stakeholder teams and community partnerships
  • Addressing substance use and behavioral health through pretrial release
  • Navigating media attention and public narratives around pretrial justice

  Key details about this opportunity:

  • This special judicial education track is available as part of the 2026 NAPSA Annual Conference and Training Institute.
  • It is only available to judicial officers. You will select your preference to attend this track during the conference registration process.

  • Judicial Education Track Sessions

    The following sessions will be presented at the NAPSA 2026 Annual Conference. This list is subject to change and individual speakers for each session will be announced shortly. Additional agenda information can be found here.



    • Leading From the Bench:  Defining a Judge’s Role in Pretrial 

    • Beyond the First Hearing:  Judicial Leadership in Setting and Modifying Release Conditions 

    • Judicial Leadership Beyond the Bench: Building Effective Stakeholder Teams 

    • Pretrial Services:  Defining the Function and Aligning Expectations 

    • Pretrial Release and Public Safety

    • Sustaining Judicial Oversight: Best Practices After Initial Appearance

     

    • National Pretrial Release Standards:  What Every Judge Should Know

    • Judicial Leadership and Supportive Services:  Addressing Substance Use and Behavioral Health through Pretrial Release 

    • Managing the Public Narrative in Pretrial Justice

    • The Pretrial Assessment’s Role in Judicial Decision-Making

    • The Leadership Circle:  A Judicial Capstone Roundtable 

    • Beyond Pretrial Supervision : How You Can Help Defendants Show Up to Court 

    • Release or Detention: Before and After Criminal Justice Reform in New Jersey

More information to come soon about specific sessions, and speakers. Have questions? Please email info@napsa.org for assistance.