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Justice Oversight Committee reviews Vermont pretrial supervision pilot, seeks program changes
Summary
The Joint Justice Oversight Committee heard a review of Vermont's pretrial supervision statute and pilot program in Essex and Orleans counties and was told the program needs increased supervision intensity, stronger cross-agency coordination, and clearer referral authority to reduce the pretrial detained population and improve public safety.
The Joint Justice Oversight Committee on July 16 heard a presentation from the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center on Vermont's new pretrial supervision program and next steps to expand it beyond a two-county pilot.
Committee members were told the program, established in statute and run by the Department of Corrections (DOC), can help ensure court appearance and reduce reoffending, but it currently lacks the staffing, referral processes and cross-agency coordination needed for a successful statewide rollout.
Ben Novakowski of the Office of Legislative Council summarized the governing law, saying the program is established and governed by 13 VSA —75—55 and can be imposed under the conditions-of-release statute 13 VSA —75—54. Novakowski said the statute sets two eligibility routes for placement: either an accused who has violated conditions of release under 13 VSA —75—59 or a defendant with at least five pending criminal dockets. He added DOC administers the program and uses an evidence-based screening tool to set levels of supervision.
David DeMort and Ellen Whelan Wiest of the CSG Justice Center presented initial findings from site visits to…
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