Stakeholder Perceptions and Potential Barriers to Pretrial Release Reform

Item

Title
Stakeholder Perceptions and Potential Barriers to Pretrial Release Reform
Author
Shanell Sanchez
Jacqueline Strenio
Date published
4/19/2022
Abstract
Pretrial release reform is an important component of justice reinvestment initiatives. However, little work has examined the implementation process or stakeholder perceptions of the implementation of a pretrial release program. In this study, we explore the perceptions and experiences of stakeholders in the criminal justice system in a county in Oregon by conducting interviews with judges, district attorney’s, defenders, and pretrial staff to assess their perceptions of the reform, including the county’s adoption of the Virginia Pretrial Risk Assessment Instrument (VPRAI). Our findings highlight four main themes, which we labeled Just Keep Them Out of System, The Tool Plus Experience, What Factors Are You Talking About, and Training Would Be Great. Stakeholders generally had positive perceptions of pretrial release but expressed concern about potential barriers to successful implementation, including the risk assessment tool used, the factors evaluated, and the need for training. This research highlights the importance of assessing stakeholder perceptions when implementing reform efforts.
funded by
This project has been funded by Oregon Criminal Justice Commission: Justice Reinvestment Grant Program.
Downloads
159
Identifier
jr3/vol2022/iss1/1
Biography
Shanell Sanchez, Ph.D.
An Associate Professor at Southern Oregon University. Her primary interests are inequality, race and ethnicity, and teaching pedagogy.
Jacqueline Strenio, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor at Norwich University. She is a health and feminist economist currently researching the economic determinants and consequences of intimate partner violence.