FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 12, 2023

Contact: Trip Eggert | teggert@vera.org | (212) 376-3157, ext. 1033

In response to ongoing delays in implementing needed pretrial services while deaths mount in Los Angeles County jails, Michelle Parris, director of Vera California, issued the following statement:

“The Vera Institute of Justice joins the calls of concern about continued delays in implementing the supportive pretrial services Angelenos have long asked and voted for. Los Angeles County’s multi-million dollar contract with management consultancy firm Accenture marks yet another deferral while the mounting death toll in our jails demands swift, concrete action.

“More than three years ago, Vera worked with county leaders and community stakeholders who came to a consensus that Los Angeles should create a pretrial services entity situated outside of law enforcement. The Board of Supervisors rightfully agreed. Numerous county workgroups in which Vera has since participated consistently reinforced the urgent need for this entity to provide a range of supportive services. We have published resources with evidence across the country of gold-standard pretrial practices, such as court date reminders or transportation assistance. And we have brought experts with experience implementing pretrial services to Los Angeles, who say they are ready to support our county. The listening sessions and design workshops in which Vera has participated to get Accenture up to speed on the local pretrial landscape seem like starting from square one.

“Hiring consultants without substantive expertise in implementing pretrial services shows a troubling lack of vision and commitment to action. Los Angeles County should instead hire a dedicated pretrial services director who has experience setting up “care first” programs for people being released from jail, and is committed to honoring the presumption of innocence. This director should immediately work with stakeholders to implement the granular solutions a pretrial services agency needs to function, including an accessible court date reminder system, a functional transportation assistance program, and expanding case management by service providers to all county courthouses.

“We do not need more reports or research or ideation. We need concrete action to launch the kind of pretrial services system the people of Los Angeles have long deserved, and we are ready to support the county in that effort.”

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About the Vera Institute of Justice: The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. Vera’s headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. For more information, visit vera.org.