The D.C. Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) is an independent entity within the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA). CSOSA was established by the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 and was certified as a federal agency under the Executive Branch in August 2000. PSA has served the Nation's Capital for more than 40 years. The Agency assists judicial officers in both the Superior Court for the District of Columbia and the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in formulating release recommendations and providing supervision and services to defendants awaiting trial that reasonably assure that those on conditional release return to court and do not engage in criminal activity. PSA has long been a leader in the D.C. criminal justice system and has been nationally recognized for its pretrial drug testing and innovative supervision and treatment programs.


The Mission of the D.C. Pretrial Services Agency

To assess, supervise, and provide services for defendants, and collaborate with the justice community, to assist the courts in making pretrial release decisions.  We promote community safety and return to court while honoring the constitutional presumption of innocence.


 The Vision of the D.C. Pretrial Services Agency

To thrive as a leader within the justice system by developing an empowered workforce that embodies integrity, excellence, accountability, and innovation in the delivery of the highest quality services.

              The Guiding Principles of the D.C. Pretrial Services Agency

Guiding Principle One: The Constitutional Presumption of Innocence

The constitutional presumption of innocence of the pretrial defendant should lead to:  The least restrictive release consistent with community safety and return to court; and preventive detention only as a last resort based on a judicial determination of the risk of non-appearance in court and/or danger to any person or to the community.

Guiding Principle Two:  Non-Financial Conditions of Release

Non-financial conditional release, based on the history, characteristics, and reliability of the defendant, is more effective than financial release conditions.  Reliance on money bail discriminates against indigent defendants and cannot effectively address the need for release conditions that protect the public.

Guiding Principle Three:  Pro-Social Interventions

Pro-social interventions that address substance abuse, employment, housing, medical, educational, and mental health issues afford defendants the opportunity for personal improvement and decrease the likelihood of criminal behavior.

Guiding Principle Four:  Innovation, Effective Use of Technology, and the Development of human Capital

Innovation, effective use of technology, and the development of human capital lead to organizational excellence, transparency, high professional and ethical standards, and accountability to the public.


PSA’s Core Values

Customer Service

•           Commitment to serve internal and external customers
•           Commitment to effective communications at all levels

Initiative

•           Commitment to continuous learning and improvement
•           Proactive problem solving
•           Self-starter

Integrity

•           Commitment to standards of conduct
             for employees of a law enforcement agency
•           Honesty; sincerity

Respect

•           Commitment to diversity and an open workplace
•           Appreciation of cultural differences
•           Courtesy
•           Professionalism

Teamwork

•           Collaboration
•           Cooperation
•           Praise
•           Positive interaction with colleagues

Work Ethic

•           Reliability
•           Productivity
•           Efficient use of time and resources