News Summary
On March 18, Tallahassee will present a crucial report on its Supervised Pretrial Release Program (SPTR) to the Board of County Commissioners. The program, which aims to provide alternatives to monetary bonds for defendants, has saved taxpayers millions while supporting those awaiting trial. With a remarkable success rate, it highlights the positive impact on the justice system and the community. Don’t miss this important presentation!
Tallahassee’s Supervised Pretrial Release Program Report Set for Presentation
Heads up, Tallahassee! On Tuesday, March 18, an important report regarding the city’s Supervised Pretrial Release Program (SPTR) will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners. Why should this matter to you? This presentation, which is due by March 31 in compliance with the “Citizens’ Right-to-Know Act,” is aimed at shedding light on how the SPTR is making a difference in our justice system.
What is the Supervised Pretrial Release Program?
The SPTR is designed to be an alternative to traditional monetary bonds for defendants who are considered likely to show up for their court dates without posing a risk to the community. This program offers a second chance and helps ensure that less fortunate individuals don’t get stuck behind bars simply because they can’t afford bail.
Where to Find the SPTR Division
If you’re curious about where all the magic happens, you can find the Leon County Supervised Pretrial Division at 501 Appleyard Drive. This is where the hard work goes into helping to manage those awaiting trial without unnecessary detention.
Crunching the Numbers for 2024
The latest report indicates that the funding for the SPTR Division amounted to a whopping $1,013,811.25 in local general revenue. During 2024, the SPTR had 14 dedicated staff members who worked diligently in supporting the program. The numbers show that a total of 2,539 defendants were under supervision during the year.
Breaking it down further, of those supervised, 1,781 defendants were newcomers to the SPTR program in 2024, while 758 were already familiar faces from previous years. The program had a notable success rate, with 75% of the defendants supervised having no violations during their pretrial release. That’s something to celebrate, isn’t it?
Addressing Violations
However, not everything was smooth sailing. 25% of those under supervision did face some challenges. The violations included 308 defendants testing positive for illegal substances or failing to stay in touch with their supervising officer, along with 222 who committed new offenses, and 95 who missed their court appearances. To break it down further, 489 defendants had charges for dangerous crimes, while 575 were dealing with non-violent felonies, and 687 had misdemeanors.
Turning Off the Phone and Saving Big!
Here’s a statistic to keep in mind: the average daily cost to run the jail per inmate is around $98.49. In comparison, the SPTR program only costs around $4.08 each day per participant. This difference leads to substantial savings, with the program reportedly diverting approximately 276,670 inmate days from the Leon County Detention Facility, resulting in total cost savings of more than $26 million. This is not just a win for the defendants, but for taxpayers too!
What’s Next in Local News?
The world doesn’t stop turning, and a Florida Senate committee is backing a proposal that may allow employers to sidestep state minimum wage statutes by labeling positions as job training. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Education is investigating claims of antisemitic harassment and discrimination at the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa.
So, there you have it, folks! Keep an eye on these developments as they unfold. It’s important to stay informed about what’s happening in your community, especially when it comes to programs that directly impact the lives of residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports: Leon County’s Pretrial Release Program
- Sun Sentinel: Florida’s Pretrial Release Law Ruled Unconstitutional
- WTXL: Judge Denies Katherine Magbanua’s Pre-Trial Release Motion
- Tallahassee Democrat: Man on Pretrial Release Arrested Again
- Wikipedia: Pretrial Release
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
