Matt Alsdorf — Blog — Criminal Injustice

#76: Using Data Instead of Bail (reprise)

Criminal Injustice returns with a new season on September 4, 2018. Until then, we're reposting some of our favorite past episodes. This episode originally appeared February 20, 2018.

InterviewsDavid HarrisAugust 21, 2018Matt Alsdorf, bail, bail reform, data science, Arnold Foundation, Public Safety Assessment Tool

#77: Using Data Instead of Bail

In the U.S., judges set bail – an amount of money defendants must deposit with the court -- to make sure people appear in court. Defendants must pay the bail amount to get released to wait for trial. Those with enough money to get out before trial, but those without cash stay in jail – regardless of the risk they pose. Could a data-based system do a better job of assessing these risks, and keep the poor out of jail before trial?

InterviewsDavid HarrisFebruary 20, 2018bail, reform, data, Matt Alsdorf, Arnold Foundation, 61-90