Macro-Level Insights from Colorado's Pretrial System

• In Event: The Impact of Bond Type and Other Factors on Pretrial Outcomes

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several jail systems in Colorado implemented measures to reduce overcrowding by releasing many individuals awaiting trial. Consequently, the jail population in Colorado decreased by an average of 46%. However, this period also saw a notable increase in crime prevalence. Some reports have linked this rise in crime rates to criminal justice policy reforms, including the increased use of personal recognizance, or no cash bonds, while others have attributed it to various social and economic factors. Despite these discussions, there are a lack of empirical studies examining whether these relationships hold true statewide in Colorado. This study aims to fill that gap by analyzing whether increased use of personal recognizance bonds was associated with increased pretrial recidivism, net of other macro-level factors. Our findings suggest that greater rates of personal recognizance bonds were not associated with increased crime. We discuss the implications of our findings for pretrial policy and practice.

Authors

• Maria Diaz Mize, Florida State University

• Vivian Aranda-Hughes, Michigan State University

• Benjamin Scanlan, University of Colorado Denver

• William M. Casey, Clemson University