Part 2 of a 4 part series- Fort Bend County and Bail Reform
Summary of Studies Reviewing Use of Risk Assessments
"Risk Assessments Should NOT be Part of Criminal Justice Reform"
Recently, the Professional Bondsmen of Texas released a pamphlet which contains a compilation of the most recent studies that address the use of “Risk Assessments.” Previously championed by many advocates for change, the last few years have seen an almost complete deterioration in support for risk assessments use in setting bail. Now many of the groups and individuals who initially supported risk assessments oppose their use. Further, the most recent scholarly research on the topic has consistently come to the same conclusion that risk assessments should not be used. The pamphlet includes the following:
Over 100 civil rights groups have released a statement opposing the use of risk assessments.
A group of leading technology companies have voiced concerns about using these tools in the criminal justice system.
The research concludes that the algorithmic prediction has the potential to amplify social inequity.
Kentucky found that after the implementation of the Arnold Foundation PSA failures to appear increased 24% and the fugitive rate increased 20%.
The Summary of Risk Assessment Studies Pamphlet can be downloaded by CLICKING HERE.
You can find addition information and materials on this subject by CLICKING HERE.