The Standard

Wendy Venvertloh • March 6, 2026

Welcome to The Standard

Welcome to the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA) Blog - The Standard  - where we highlight the people and practices that define our field.


For more than 50 years, NAPSA has served as the nation’s leading membership organization supporting legal and evidence-based pretrial practices. Our mission - to promote pretrial justice and public safety through rational pretrial decision making and practices informed by evidence - relies on continuous learning, open dialogue, and the exchange of ideas across jurisdictions and disciplines. This blog is designed to advance that mission.


The title The Standard reflects NAPSA’s role as the nation’s leader in developing, maintaining, and promoting the pretrial standards that guide our field. It underscores our commitment to elevating the practices and professionals who embody excellence and set the benchmark for high‑quality, evidence‑based pretrial services


What You Can Expect

Each month, we’ll highlight the topics that matter most to professionals, policymakers, researchers, and partners across the pretrial field, including:


News from NAPSA

  • Updates on training opportunities, the Annual Conference, committee work, partnerships, and organizational initiatives.

Innovations & Field Highlights

  • Profiles of programs, tools, and strategies that represent promising advancements in pretrial practice.

Policy & Practice Updates

  • Insights into legislative developments, case law, and best practices shaping pretrial systems nationwide.

Research & Emerging Evidence

  • Summaries of new studies, data trends, and evidence-based approaches that advance our understanding of pretrial justice.

Member Spotlights

  • Stories from practitioners and leaders across the country whose work strengthens communities and improves outcomes.


Why a Blog—and Why Now?

The pretrial field is evolving rapidly. With new research, shifting policies, ongoing public conversations about justice, and a growing need for reliable, practical information, NAPSA is committed to being a trusted source for insight and leadership. This blog provides a hub where members and the broader field can stay informed, stay connected, and stay inspired.


Join the Conversation

We encourage you to engage with the content, share articles with colleagues, and reach out if you have ideas or stories to contribute. Whether you’re a long-time NAPSA member or new to the organization, we’re glad you're here and we look forward to exploring the future of pretrial justice together.


Thank you for your commitment to advancing fair, evidence-based, and effective pretrial systems.



Welcome to The Standard!


Wendy Venvertloh

Executive Director

National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA)


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