Validation of the Colorado Pretrial Assessment Tool (CPAT)

• In Event: Current Issues in Pretrial Detention and Jail Management

Abstract

The Colorado Pretrial Assessment Tool (CPAT), first implemented in 2012 and is used by pretrial service agencies across the state. This actuarial risk assessment tool predicts risk of failure to appear and new arrest while a defendant is released on bond. This retroactive validation is part of a larger study to improve the predictive ability of the CPAT. The validation examines the predictive ability of the CPAT in its current state using pretrial, court and state criminal history records. Implications for the risk assessment tool’s implementation and improvement are discussed.

Authors

• Anthony Azari, University of Northern Colorado

• Victoria Terranova, University of Northern Colorado

• Kyle C. Ward, University of Northern Colorado

• Jessie Slepicka, University of Northern Colorado