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Early Data Appears To Show Zero Bail Policy Effects
Signs advertise bail bond companies next to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in 2018.
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Mario Tama
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The Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday released data challenging criticisms of the new zero bail system for certain detainees.
On Oct. 1, Los Angeles Superior Court’s new bail system, or Pre-Arraignment Release Protocols (PARP), went into effect. The policy that eliminates bail for those deemed a low risk to the public or for nonviolent and other felonies and misdemeanors has largely been criticized by law enforcement officials, including L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna and LAPD Chief Michael Moore, as being to soft on crime.
We are asking the court NOT to release individuals who pose risks to community safety including those with repeated instances of prior serious offenses. https://t.co/37CWsFR39c
— Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) September 26, 2023
More than 20 cities, including Arcadia, Beverly Hills, Cerritos, Downey, Lakewood, Torrance and West Covina have also filed a joint lawsuit to end the policy.
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However, in a three-week period starting Oct. 1, the data released show 40% of bookings were serious and violent offenses that automatically fell under the traditional cash bail system.
Of the 1,213 of bookings that were subject to the new system, more than 60% were temporarily held until arraignment. And less than 3% of all people booked were re-arrested after their arraignment.
“There have been repeated requests for the court to return to the old system with many citing the potential for rearrest with the new system as a reason to go backwards,” said David W. Slayton, a clerk at the court. “About half of those rearrested were released on money bail, meaning they were arrested for a serious or violent crime and they could buy their way out of jail.”
Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner said low-risk people "are generally being released. Medium- to high-risk individuals are generally being temporarily held until arraignment. And rearrests for those booked in the last three weeks are minimal.”
The purpose of bail, she said, is not to be a punishment. Rather, she said, under the new system, a magistrate judge is allowed to consider a person’s risk before determining if release is appropriate.
“Initial data unequivocally show the significant public safety benefits of this new approach,” Jessner added.
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