A pretrial supervision program aimed at reducing recidivism and failure-to-appear rates, as well as decreasing the Worcester County Jail population, is now in operation. The program, which commenced on July 16, is managed from the Worcester County Jail under the guidance of Lt. LaToya Everett, who oversees the pretrial release program.
"This position will be responsible for working with the courts to provide an alternative to pretrial incarceration," stated Worcester County Jail Warden Donna Bounds.
The Worcester County commissioners approved a fiscal year 2019 grant application for $66,914 to support the program during their meeting on July 17.
"We worked closely with county leaders to get this program up and running," commented Judge Brian D. Shockley, County Administrative Judge for Worcester County's Circuit Court. "Warden Bounds and Court Administrator Mike Howard deserve particular credit. This is a much-needed program that will serve the county well."
Pretrial release programs allow offenders awaiting trial to continue employment, receive treatment for substance abuse or mental health issues, and maintain a stable home environment.
"This is a step in the right direction," remarked District Judge Gerald V. Purnell of Worcester County. "This new program will help us reduce the number of pretrial offenders incarcerated at the jail."
The launch of Worcester County's pretrial supervision program follows changes to Maryland's pretrial release rule (Rule 4-216) that took effect on July 1, 2017. These changes encourage less restrictive conditions before trial.
"Jurisdictions in Maryland are working hard to address the need for better approaches to managing defendants pretrial," said District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey. "We are constantly looking for better ways to ensure defendants appear in court while maintaining public safety. Pretrial supervision programs are one way to do just that."
Pretrial supervision services vary across Maryland jurisdictions in terms of funding and complexity, ranging from phone call reminders about court dates to more intensive supervision based on risk assessment tools.
According to Col. Quintin Dennis, Assistant Warden of Security and Custody at Worcester County Jail, the new program provides several options such as self-reporting, phone calls, and GPS monitoring.