Agenda - 03-02-2021; 4-c - Presentation on Orange County Bail Reform Initiatives

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2 The Work Group decided on two critical reforms to address initially: • A new structured decision-making tool to guide magistrates' bail decisions; and • A new decision-making process for responding to non-appearances in District Court. Following many meetings and the support of all stakeholders, the decision-making tool became effective in October 2020. The Non-Appearance policy became effective in January 2021. The District 18 Local Bond Policy was amended to include these new reforms. The CJRD supported the Criminal Justice Innovation Lab's application for grant funding to complete an evaluation of the impact of these reforms. The grant funding was awarded and the evaluation will examine the impact of the reforms on release conditions being imposed, jail bookings, non-appearance rates, new pretrial criminal activity and other justice system metrics. The funding also will support a validation of the County's pretrial risk assessment tool and assistance to the Work Group and Judge Baddour in issuing a new, comprehensive local bail policy. The Lab's first quarterly evaluation report is scheduled to be released in May 2021. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no additional financial impact. The County Manager's Office previously dedicated $2,800 to the CJRD for the facilitation contract with the Criminal Justice Innovation Lab at the School of Government. The CJRD dedicated an additional $2,400 to the Lab when more work was needed to complete the new reform initiatives. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status. • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. • GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang activity, substance use and domestic violence. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impacts associated with this item. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the presentation and provide any comments or questions.