Expand use of citations in lieu of arrest.
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Step 5: Build locally tailored policy solutions
Once you have a sense of the primary drivers of your local jail population, you will be able to more clearly assess where policy changes will have the most impact on decarceration. Use your conclusions from data to form your local policy priorities by tailoring evidence-based reforms to your own community needs. The following policy solutions are not exhaustive, but they will provide you with a sense of your options and help you determine your next steps.
Reduce pretrial incarceration
Expand alternatives to arrest and police directives to not arrest people for certain issues.
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Establish broad policy for automatic pretrial release.
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Provide defense counsel at first court appearance.
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Establish warrant grace periods for failure to appear.
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Adopt a court reminder system.
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Eliminate the commercial bail bond industry.
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Reduce jail incarceration for nonviolent low-level charges
Adopt a local declination policy.
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Expand opportunities for diversion.
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End criminalization of civil issues.
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Eliminate city ordinances that criminalize life-sustaining behavior.
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Reduce the scope and punitiveness of probation
Shorten standard terms of probation.
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Reduce the use and frequency of onerous conditions and fees.
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Expand opportunities for early discharge from probation.
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Reduce the overall impact of jail and other harmful practices on the community
Work to document and repair past harms from reliance on incarceration.
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Question and resist new jail construction and expansion.
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End contracts with ICE to rent local jail beds.
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Work with county officials to reduce budgetary reliance on criminal justice fines and fees.
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