What is an expected outcome of implementing pretrial risk assessments for jurisdictions?

Implementing pretrial risk assessments is designed to create a more standardized and objective approach to decision-making in the pretrial phase of the criminal justice process. By using data-driven tools to evaluate the likelihood of a defendant appearing for court and their potential risks to public safety, jurisdictions can make more informed and equitable decisions. This approach aims to reduce biases that may exist in human judgment and thereby promote fairness in how defendants are treated before their trial.

By assessing individuals based on their specific risk factors rather than subjective criteria, jurisdictions can help ensure that individuals who are deemed low-risk do not face punitive pretrial incarceration, which is often influenced by socioeconomic status, race, or other biases. This leads to more equitable outcomes across various demographics and reduces disparities in the justice process, aligning with the principles of justice and fairness in the legal system.