Ramsey County Bail Reform

The Ramsey County Bail Reform Working Group (BRWG) aims to advance pretrial justice system transformation efforts, including reforming cash bail, decreasing the jail population, and developing alternative access to court. Research in Action was contracted to aid in community engagement and ensure community members were involved in the development of policies and tools implemented by Ramsey County.

Partners

Ramsey County Bail Reform Working Group

In spring 2019, the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office (RCAO) and the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) brought together the Bail Reform Working Group (BRWG) to (1) reduce the total number of people incarcerated in Ramsey County and (2) create an alternative to cash bail. The BRWG drew together a group of systems stakeholders, nonprofit leaders, and people with lived experience in the carceral system to work towards these goals.

Problem

Historians and legal experts have documented long-standing patterns of racial injustice within the United States criminal justice system and in all 50 states, including Minnesota. In particular, the cash bail system generates racial disparities in bail sentencing amounts and pretrial detention rates. Bail reform movements, which seek to shift away from a cash bail system, have touted pretrial risk assessments as a partial remedy to these disparities.

Process

We worked in partnership with Ramsey County, Advancing Pretrial Policy Research (APPR), and other systems stakeholders to engage communities with lived experience of the carceral system in Ramsey County to understand Ramsey County’s specific needs for pre-charge and post-release supports. Additionally, RIA conducted qualitative research to receive feedback from the community regarding the proposed Public Safety Assessment (PSA), a pretrial risk assessment tool, designed to estimate the likelihood of pretrial success: attending court and remaining arrest-free. RIA conducted data collection events for these issues in the form of two town halls and four focus groups, asking questions that were co-designed with the Bail Reform Working Group.

Solutions

As a result of the six data collection events, RIA concluded our partnership with Ramsey County and the BRWG by presenting a report of our findings, which includes a series of seven recommendations. These recommendations create a roadmap, one specifically designed by community members with lived experience, for Ramsey County to invest in moving forward.

  1. Establish a team/office of navigators for individuals moving through the pre-charge process

  2. Utilize existing community and organizational support networks and resources for those who are navigating the pre-charge process

  3. Ensure implementation and practice of the Public Safety Assessment (PSA) remains transparent and holistic for its users

  4. Improve legal and educational resources and support for those who are navigating the pre-charge process

  5. Establish logistical resources and supports for people who are experiencing reentry prior to a hearing

  6. Establish better and accessible support and resources for basic health needs throughout the pre-charge process and after release

  7. Consider pre-booking alternatives

Reports