An Experiment in Bail Reform: Examining the Impact of the Brooklyn Supervised Release Program

This report presents findings from a study examining the impact of the Brooklyn Supervised Release Program, which engages misdemeanants who cannot afford relatively low bail amounts. When compared to a matched sample arraigned in the year before program launch, Supervised Release participants arraigned between November 2013 and September 2014 were significantly more likely to be released, spent fewer days in detention, and were less likely to receive a criminal conviction or jail sentence. Qualitative findings showed that participants held positive views of the Supervised Release staff and program model.