NCJ Number
98047
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1985) Pages: 160-171
Date Published
1985
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Observations of a British magistrates' court and interviews with 59 new residents of a bail hostel during a 6-month period in 1982-83 form the basis of an examination of the validity of the concern of bail hostel staff that these facilities were not being used as intended: as an alternative to remand in custody.
Abstract
The hostel studied was established in 1974 and was part of an effort aimed at providing alternatives to pretrial custody and reducing prison overcrowding due to pretrial detention. The residents were largely single; living with parents, friends, or relatives prior to arrest; and likely to have spent some time in custody before being bailed to the hostel. Most were unemployed. Their crimes were not particularly serious, and it was unclear why it had been found necessary to place them in the hostel. A quarter of the residents felt that their families could have helped them out in providing shelter. The defendants, who were likely to be poor and undereducated, appeared to have played a minimal part in the decisionmaking process. Suggestions from the defense lawyers and police objections to bail appeared to be the main factors determining the decision to use the hostel. Findings confirmed the hostel staff concern that many residents were diverted unnecessarily to the hostels and that the hostels were often not serving as an alternative to custody. Police objections to bail may prevent the hostels being used for the more serious offenders for whom the hostel staff believe the hostels are designed. Thus, professional courtroom practices may have critical effects on policy development. Data tables and eight references are listed.