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Commissioners back $250,000 Byrne JAG application to start pretrial services program
Summary
Centre County commissioners authorized submission of a Byrne JAG application for up to $250,000 over two years to fund two full‑time pretrial officers and supervisor support for a court‑administered pretrial services program, intended to reduce pretrial detention for eligible defendants.
On July 2 the Centre County Board of Commissioners voted to approve submission of a Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) application to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency seeking up to $250,000 over two years to support a new pretrial services program.
Carrie (speaker 15), identified as representing criminal justice, said the requested funds (Jan. 1, 2027–Dec. 31, 2028) would primarily pay for two full‑time pretrial officers and a portion of a supervisor's salary. She told commissioners the program would be operated by court administration ("it wouldn't be under probation") and is designed to supervise selected pretrial individuals so some charged people can remain at home, maintain work and family responsibilities, and reduce unnecessary pretrial jail time.
Commissioners discussed program size and comparators: larger counties commonly supervise 100–150 individuals; speakers said a large share of the county jail population is pretrial. "This will allow people who...have been charged but not yet determined guilty or not guilty to stay with their families," the chair said.
The board authorized submission of the application by voice vote. The grant selection process is competitive; Carrie told the board the Commission typically funds 30–35 applications from a pool of about $8.2 million. If awarded, staff said they would return with implementation plans and staffing details.
