COVID-19: How are Pretrial Service Agencies Dealing with the Coronavirus? [Webinar]

In line with directives from the White House, state authorities, and local officials, criminal justice agencies around the country have modified operations to comply with social distancing, travel restrictions, and mandatory health orders due to COVID-19. These policies have a significant impact on the judiciary, causing courthouse closures, the suspension of jury trials, and the halting or modification of court orders. It has required criminal justice decision makers to swiftly examine their pretrial populations and practices to comply with these modified operations.

In this webinar you will hear from decision makers who were responsible for upholding these recommendations. They will share their challenges and experiences in implementing these directives, as well as the opportunities they found for adopting long- term practice changes that focus on maximizing public safety, court appearances, and release of pretrial defendants.

Webinar Objectives:

• Discuss the collaborative efforts among pretrial services, the courts, district attorney’s offices, and jails to manage the pretrial population during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Identify innovative approaches to support defendant court appearance and connection with pretrial service officers.
• Highlight early challenges and opportunities.
• Show how technology is playing a key role in the new normal.
• Provide key resources to the field.

Moderators/Speakers:

• Greg Crawford, Correctional Program Specialist, National Institute of Corrections
• Lori Eville, Correctional Program Specialist, National Institute of Corrections
• Spurgeon Kennedy, Vice-President, National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies

Panel Members:

• The Honorable Karen Thomas, Judge, 17^th Judicial District of Kentucky
• Tara Boh Blair, Executive Officer, Kentucky Court of Justice, Department of Pretrial Services
• Kevin Burns, Captain, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico
• Krista Lawrence, Division Director, 11^th Judicial District and Magistrate Courts, New Mexico
• Jon Tunheim, Prosecuting Attorney, Thurston County District Court, Washington
• Marianne Clear, Director, Thurston County Pretrial Services, Washington

This webinar aired on September 3rd, 2020.