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 need for evidence-based strategies to enhance court appearance rates and provide equitable access to services for all residents, regardless of language barriers.

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 court appearances. Currently, 23% of local bookings in Pitt County are attributed to failures to appear in court, underscoring the potential impact of this initiative.

The board also emphasized the importance of providing translation services to ensure that non-English speakers can access pretrial services without barriers. Additionally, they proposed offering supportive service referrals to help individuals navigate challenges that may lead to repeated bookings, as data shows that 35% of those booked into jail had multiple bookings over a three-and-a-half-year period.

Effective supervision strategies were discussed, with the board recognizing the need for adequate staffing and resources. They proposed partnerships with local colleges and universities to develop internships and recruit case managers, which would be crucial for the program's success.

Monitoring pretrial performance measures was another focal point, with the board advocating for detailed data collection on failures to appear and rearrests. This data-driven approach aims to refine supervision strategies and improve overall outcomes for individuals in the pretrial system.

The board also recommended gathering feedback from program participants to assess the effectiveness of the services provided. This qualitative data, combined with quantitative measures, would help inform ongoing improvements to the program.

Lastly, the advisory board stressed the importance of ongoing education for system stakeholders and the community to foster support for pretrial improvements. They suggested that visiting other jurisdictions with successful pretrial programs could provide valuable insights and best practices.

Overall, the PTSAB's recommendations reflect a comprehensive approach to reforming the pretrial system in Pitt County, aiming to create a fair, effective, and efficient program that addresses the needs of its residents while ensuring public safety.