Publications

NAPSA’s resources equips pretrial professionals with the knowledge and tools to strengthen practice and improve outcomes. Covering topics from survivor-centered justice to accreditation, leadership, supervision, and the latest Pretrial Standards, each session delivers research-based guidance and practical strategies. Together, they provide a roadmap for advancing fairness, accountability, and excellence in the pretrial field.

Pretrial Assessments: An Updated Discussion on Bias & Disparities

Over the years, the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA) has closely monitored claims of disparities and bias in actuarial pretrial assessments. Originally published in 2023, this updated 2026 edition incorporates new research, additional contributors, and the latest empirical evidence on this important topic. This publication provides clarity by summarizing findings from validation studies to highlight what has—and has not—been demonstrated regarding disparities and bias in pretrial assessment tools. For more than 50 years, NAPSA has championed research and evidence-based pretrial practices. We continue to support rigorous examination of pretrial assessment validity and potential disparities, believing that these discussions should be guided by rational, objective analysis and the best available empirical evidence. Click here to download the full PDF of the publication.

Evidence-Based Decision Making: A Guide for Pretrial Executives

Evidence-Based Decision Making: A Guide for Pretrial Executives provides pretrial leaders with practical guidance for participating in and contributing to Evidence-Based Decision Making (EBDM) policy teams. The guide introduces the EBDM framework and its principles, explains the important role of pretrial executives in collaborative justice-system decision making, and connects research findings to pretrial policy and practice. It also explores evidence-based and legally sound practices, harm reduction, implementation challenges and strategies, and provides additional resources and key research to help pretrial leaders strengthen outcomes, reduce pretrial misconduct and community harm, and advance effective system collaboration. Clickhereto download the full PDF of the publication.

NAPSA Standards on Pretrial Release, 2024 Edition 

The NAPSA has published its revised 2024 Edition of the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies’ (NAPSA) Standards on Pretrial Release continues the mandate of previous Editions—to describe the components of an effective, legal, and evidence-based bail system. It also updates the Standards with the developing body of knowledge about best and promising practices in the pretrial field and changes to the legal definition of and the requirements for fair and reasonable bail decision-making. Revisions from past editions include: strengthening NAPSA’s support of independent pretrial services agencies, the use of validated pretrial outcome assessments, supervision conditions individualized to specific and identifiable risk factors, and the abolition of financial conditions of bail. You can find the 2024 Standards here. 

First Step Forward:

Transforming the Pretrial Period from Compliance to Support

Published by Justice System Partners in September 2025, the First Step Forward outlines a support-oriented pretrial framework to provide courtroom partners with guidance on how to create the fewest barriers for people to attend court and more effectively support individuals navigating the pretrial period. JSP organizes this framework into five guiding principles to promote a support-centric orientation during the pretrial period: 1) Release individuals exclusively on recognizance pre-arraignment as often and as soon as possible, 2) Create intentional access to defense attorneys prearraignment and at initial appearances, 3) Rely on the least expensive and least restrictive pretrial release conditions possible 4) Reimagine pretrial supervision agencies as pretrial support services, 5) Create a support-oriented court ecosystem focused on enhancing fairness. You can find this new resource here. 

Pretrial Assessments -

Bias & Disparities?:

Staying Grounded in Research

The National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies  (NAPSA) has been carefully following claims about disparities and bias related to actuarial pretrial assessments. As the debate continues, NAPSA has noted the dust settling around a large body of research, providing clarity to this polarizing topic. We have always been advocates of pretrial research and have encouraged the exploration of pretrial outcomes for decades. NAPSA continues to promote and encourage research on pretrial assessment validity and potential disparities and bias. We believe that the evidence itself should lead this debate and must be controlled by rational, objective analyses. Click here to download the full pdf of the publication. 

Freedom Denied: How the Culture of Detention Created a

Federal Jailing Crisis Needs

CHICAGO (December 7, 2022) The Federal Criminal Justice Clinic (FCJC) at the University of Chicago Law School today announced the release of the first national investigation of federal pretrial detention, Freedom Denied: How the Culture of Detention Created a Federal Jailing Crisis. The report identifies a “federal jailing crisis” that disproportionately impacts poor people of color. Freedom Denied is authored and researched by Professor Alison Siegler, former Federal Defender and current Founding Director of the Federal Criminal Justice Clinic and Clinical Professor of Law at the University of Chicago Law School. "This work is about bringing to light a ‘culture of detention’ that exists in the federal legal system and helping judges to realign their practices so that justice-involved individuals do not face illegal and inequitable detention.” Click here to view complete document. 

Factsheet: Identifying and Addressing Pretrial Needs

Through the investigation of four critical questions, this fact sheet summarizes the existing research regarding the needs of people going through the pretrial process, including their commonly identified needs, how their needs differ across subgroups, and the role of the pretrial system in addressing these needs. In addition, this fact sheet identifies salient gaps in knowledge and outlines new directions for the pretrial field. Click to download the full pdf of the factsheet here.

New Diversion Resources 

Diversion 101, is a series of articles that offers a new framework for understanding diversion. Developed by the Center for Effective Public Policy in partnership with the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies, Diversion 101 advances the foundational work done in the field of diversion to date and offers a roadmap for planning, implementing, and sustaining research-based diversionary options. Funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the series examines pre-conviction diversion options, provides clarity around their purposes, proposes guiding principals, and explores their public safety and other benefits. You can find the new articles here. 

Fundamentals of Bail: A Resource Guide for Pretrial Practitioners and a Framework for American Pretrial Reform

Authored by Timothy R. Schnacke, Fundamentals of Bail: A Resource Guide for Pretrial Practitioners and a Framework for American Pretrial Justice, a NIC Publication, provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding bail and pretrial justice in the United States. The publication brings together the history, law, research, national standards, and essential terminology surrounding bail to create a shared framework for practitioners and justice system stakeholders. Designed to support meaningful and sustainable pretrial reform, it helps readers understand how these foundational elements connect and provides a common knowledge base for advancing fair, effective, and legally sound pretrial practices.Click here to download the full pdf of the publication. 

Money as a Criminal Justice Stakeholder: The Judge's Decision to Release or Detain a Defendant Pretrial

Authored by Timothy R. Schnacke, this NIC Publication examines the critical judicial decision to release or detain an individual before trial and how existing bail laws can support—or hinder—effective pretrial decision-making. It explores the movement away from charge- and money-based bail systems toward approaches centered on empirically informed risk, individualized decision-making, and fair and transparent processes for both release and preventive detention. The publication presents a framework for an ideal “release or detain” decision-making process while helping practitioners and policymakers identify legal and systemic barriers that may need to change to advance fair, effective, and constitutionally sound pretrial justice. Click here to download the full pdf of the publication. 

Pretrial Release & Probation: What is the Same & What is Different?

Authored by Timothy R. Schnacke, this NIC Publication examines the important similarities and distinctions between pretrial services and probation. While the two functions may appear similar and are often housed within the same agencies, they differ significantly in their histories, purposes, legal foundations, populations, and supporting research. The publication helps practitioners and justice system leaders understand these distinctions and provides guidance for jurisdictions considering combining or coordinating pretrial and probation functions. It serves as a valuable resource for developing lawful, effective, and appropriately differentiated practices while strengthening understanding across both fields. Click here to download the full pdf of the publication. 

A Framework for Pretrial Justice: Essential Elements of an Effective Pretrial System and Agency

A Framework for Pretrial Justice: Essential Elements of an Effective Pretrial System and Agency provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for building and strengthening effective pretrial systems and high-performing pretrial services agencies. Developed by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) and its Pretrial Executive Network, the publication identifies the essential elements and best practices that support informed release and detention decisions, community safety, court appearance, and the fair administration of justice. Designed as a practical guide for jurisdictions seeking to assess or improve their pretrial systems, it provides a foundation for aligning policy, agency operations, and judicial decision-making with research, legal principles, and nationally recognized pretrial practices.Click here to download the full pdf of the publication. 

Measuring What Matters: Outcome and Performance Measures for the Pretrial Services Field

Measuring What Matters: Outcome and Performance Measures for the Pretrial Services Field provides pretrial agencies with practitioner-driven metrics for evaluating effectiveness, efficiency, and success beyond simply measuring activities and outputs. Developed by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) and its Pretrial Executives Network, the publication establishes meaningful measures for assessing pretrial outcomes, supporting quality assurance, guiding strategic planning, strengthening staff development, and informing data-driven decision-making. Reflecting changes in research, law, and pretrial practice, Measuring What Matters provides agencies and justice system leaders with a framework for using data to evaluate performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and demonstrate progress toward fair, effective, and evidence-based pretrial systems. Click here to download the full pdf of the publication. 

Pretrial Justice: How to Maximize Public Safety, Court Appearance & Release

This NIC participant guide provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of effective pretrial justice. It explores the history and legal foundations of bail, evidence-based pretrial practices, national standards, and organizational strategies that support effective system change. The resource identifies the essential elements of both a high-functioning pretrial justice system and a legal, evidence-based pretrial services agency, with an emphasis on informed and individualized decision-making.

Centered on the goals of maximizing release, maximizing court appearance, and maximizing public safety, the guide emphasizes collaboration, research-informed decision-making, and the use of data to improve outcomes. It offers practitioners, courts, and justice system leaders a practical framework for assessing existing practices and strengthening pretrial systems in ways that promote both public safety and individuals. Click here to download the full pdf of the publication. 

Court Nonappearance and New Case Filings: Redefining Pretrial Misconduct

This NIC Publication provides a modern, research-informed look at pretrial risk, challenging traditional assumptions about missed court appearances and new criminal case filings. It examines evidence showing that most people awaiting trial appear in court and remain arrest-free, while many missed court dates result from unintentional or unavoidable circumstances rather than deliberate avoidance. The publication offers more accurate definitions of pretrial outcomes and highlights practical strategies being used nationwide to prevent missed appearances, appropriately respond to new case filings, and support fair, effective, and evidence-based pretrial practices. Click here to download the full pdf of the publication. 

Incorporating Services and Support into Pretrial Supervision: Is There a Best Model?

This NIC publication explores the role of behavioral health and social service needs in pretrial populations, with a particular focus on substance use disorder. It recognizes that having a behavioral health or social service need does not automatically indicate an increased risk of pretrial misconduct and emphasizes the importance of matching interventions to an individual’s circumstances. The publication introduces a “pretrial intervention services” model to help agencies determine when services may be appropriate, how they can be integrated into supervision and support, and which treatment strategies are best suited for the pretrial stage. Click here to download the full pdf of the publication. 

Promoting Pretrial Success

A New Model for Pretrial Supervision

This NIC publication presents a research-informed approach to pretrial supervision focused on helping individuals succeed while awaiting trial. It introduces a “success-based” supervision model that prioritizes court appearance and arrest-free behavior, encourages individualized and purposeful supervision conditions, and reduces unnecessary technical violations that can lead to bail revocation. The publication also provides practical strategies and examples to help pretrial agencies implement effective supervision practices and respond appropriately when court nonappearance occurs. Click here to download the full pdf of the publication.