During a recent government meeting, the Pitt County Pretrial Services Advisory Board (PTSAB) presented a series of recommendations aimed at improving the local pretrial program. The discussions highlighted the importance of evidence-based strategies to enhance court appearance rates and reduce recidivism among individuals awaiting trial.

One of the key recommendations involves implementing a system of live reminder calls to individuals about their court dates. Research indicates that such reminders significantly increase the likelihood of attendance, addressing the concerning statistic that 23% of local bookings in Pitt County were due to failures to appear in court.

The board also emphasized the necessity of providing translation services to ensure that non-English speakers have equal access to pretrial services. This initiative aims to eliminate language barriers that could hinder individuals from receiving necessary support.

Additionally, the PTSAB proposed the introduction of supportive service referrals for individuals with multiple bookings, recognizing that 35% of those booked into jail had more than one incident within a three-and-a-half-year period. By connecting these individuals with appropriate resources, the board hopes to disrupt the cycle of repeated criminal justice involvement.

Effective supervision strategies were also discussed, with the board advocating for partnerships with local colleges and universities to develop internship opportunities for case managers. This collaboration is seen as vital for providing the necessary staff resources to implement the proposed strategies effectively.

The board's recommendations further include establishing key performance measures to monitor the success of the pretrial program, focusing on metrics such as court appearance rates and rearrest statistics. They also called for gathering feedback from program participants to assess the qualitative impact of the services provided.

Lastly, the PTSAB highlighted the importance of educational opportunities and communication strategies to foster support for pretrial improvements within the community. They expressed interest in visiting other jurisdictions in North Carolina that have successfully implemented similar pretrial programs to learn from their experiences.

Overall, the PTSAB's recommendations reflect a comprehensive approach to enhancing the pretrial system in Pitt County, aiming to create a fair, effective, and efficient process for individuals awaiting trial. The board's commitment to data-driven strategies and community engagement underscores their goal of improving outcomes for residents involved in the criminal justice system.