What is a benefit of universal screening of arrestees during the pretrial process?

Universal screening of arrestees during the pretrial process provides a structured way to assess individuals based on various risk factors such as likelihood to reoffend or to fail to appear for court. By employing evidence-based assessment tools, courts and pretrial services can gather essential data about an arrestee's background, previous criminal history, and various behavioral indicators.

This systematic approach enhances decision-making because it allows for a more informed understanding of individual risks and needs. Practitioners can tailor pretrial release conditions or interventions that align with the assessed risks, leading to better outcomes for both the arrestee and the community. For example, those found to be low-risk can be released with minimal supervision, while higher-risk individuals might be subject to more stringent conditions.

Improved decision-making through risk assessments ultimately supports the goal of balancing public safety with the rights of individuals, making it a crucial aspect of the pretrial process.