Minutes 06/13/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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June 13, 2023 Background:  Local community-based probation agencies were created in 1995 by the Comprehensive Community Corrections Act (CCCA, §9.1-173 COV). They were created to provide an alternative to incarceration for persons convicted of certain misdemeanors or non-violent felonies for which sentences would be 12 months or less in a local or regional jail.  In 1995, Pretrial Services Agencies were authorized by statute with the passage of the Pretrial Services Act (PSA, § 19.2-152.2 COV). Pretrial services agencies provide information and investigative services to judicial officers to help them decide whether persons charged with certain offenses and awaiting trial need to be held in jail or can be released to their communities subject to supervision.  State funding enables Portsmouth Community Corrections and Pretrial Services to provide quality supervision to defendants and non-violent offenders in the community and directly impact the jail population. Discussion:  The primary function of pretrial services (PTS) is to provide judicial officers with crucial defendant background information so they may make more informed release decisions. PTS officers compile a risk assessment and court report based on the information collected during an investigation and interview. This report is presented to the Court before a defendant's first court appearance. Pretrial supervision is available for qualified individuals awaiting trial. Through appropriate and least restrictive supervision, PTS strives to reduce failure to appear rates and provide defendants with services necessary to ensure their appearance in court for trial. PTS officers screened 729 defendants and conducted 459 defendant investigations from July 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. PTS officers completed 459 pretrial risk assessments during the same timeframe. In addition, PTS officers conducted 270 criminal history reports on defendants who could not be interviewed; this because they refused to interview, were debilitated, or released on bond before an interview could be conducted. The total number of pretrial supervision placements during the same time was 188. The PTS Appearance Rate (defendants that complete supervision who do not have a capias issued for failure to appear in court) from July 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, was 92%. The PTS Public Safety Rate (defendants that complete pretrial supervision who do not have their bail revoked due to a new arrest) for the same period was 93%, and the Compliance Rate (defendants that complete pretrial supervision who do not have their bail revoked due to a violation of conditions) was 93%.  Portsmouth Community Corrections (PCC) provides individual supervision based on risk and need, which includes community service placement, intervention services for persons charged with domestic violence, education and/or treatment programs for persons charged with larceny, drug offenses, assault, and other misdemeanor offenses. PCC provides substance abuse assessments, testing and treatment, employment assistance services and education/treatment referral services for shoplifting, parenting classes, anger management, and domestic violence. PCC received 90 placements for supervision from July 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. Individuals referred to PCC for supervision are screened using the Modified Offender Screening Tool (MOST). Individuals who score above administrative on the MOST are assessed using the Offender Screening Tool (OST). The overall successful closure rate for those placed with PCC for supervision from July 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, was 77%. PCC clients successfully completed 85% of service referrals/treatment during the same period. Financial Impact:  There is no local match and no obligation for continued funding from the City of Portsmouth. Recommended Action:  Adoption of ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Finance Department will make the necessary budgetary adjustments. In addition, the Program Director will provide grant management and oversight.