Comparing Pretrial Supervision Modes: Findings From a Random Assignment Study of Remote Versus Hybrid Supervision in New York City

• In Event: Improving Pretrial Systems Through Research-Practice Partnerships: Findings From the Pretrial Justice Collaborative Project

Abstract

Pretrial supervision is a common practice across the United States, and typically involves pretrial services staff members keeping in contact with clients through periodic phone or in-person check-ins. In theory, pretrial supervision is designed to help clients make their court appearances and avoid new arrests. Despite a fairly strong evidence base for the use of pretrial supervision for higher-risk and -need individuals, very little is known about the relative effects of different intensities of pretrial supervision, including different modes of supervision. The present study, a randomized controlled trial conducted in Queens, New York, offers some of the strongest evidence to date regarding the relative effectiveness of different supervision requirements, with a focus on remote versus in-person modes of supervision. Results from this study indicate that remote supervision can be used in place of the more restrictive hybrid supervision for many pretrial supervision clients and achieve the same levels of court appearance and avoidance of new felony charges. In fact, remote supervision can even improve supervision attendance and compliance. Because remote supervision is generally less costly and burdensome for both clients and supervision providers, a shift toward this mode of supervision may be particularly beneficial in jurisdictions with limited resources.

Authors

• Melanie Skemer, MDRC Center for Criminal Justice Research

• Emily Brennan, MDRC Center for Criminal Justice Research