The Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) grant round for the Smart Pretrial Demonstration Initiative (SPDI) Grant is now open. For interested counties, applications are due May 27, 2014. Two Q&A sessions on the application process and the project will be held to aid counties in applying. From the National Association of Counties (NACo) website:

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) recently announced that is it seeking applications for its Smart Pretrial Demonstration Initiative (SPDI). The SPDI grant program seeks to build upon analysis-driven, evidence-based pretrial justice by encouraging local jurisdictions to effectively implement risk assessment and appropriate supervision and/or diversion strategies targeting pretrial outcomes within their jurisdictions. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on May 27, 2014.  Click here to view the solicitation.

Leading up to the application deadline, NACo, in partnership with BJA and the Pretrial Justice Institute, will provide assistance in understanding the key elements of the project and the application process. An informational video will be available on April 22, and Q&A sessions will be held on April 29 and May 6, from 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST, to answer any questions about the application process and the project.

Register below for one of the Q&A sessions:
Tue, Apr 29, 2014 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
Tue, May 6, 2014 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

Maryland has considered various approaches to pretrial services as part of its struggles with bail reform, and these issues remain alive for both the state and its counties.

For more background on bail reform and pretrial issues, see previous Conduit Street coverage:
Bail Reform Efforts Fracture, Costs Shifted To Counties
Pretrial Services

For more information please contact Kathy Rowings, NACo Justice associate at krowings@naco.org or 202.942.4279.