Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research (APPR) is offering a free webinar on Jail Population Review: Understanding and Changing Who’s in Your Jail. The webinar is on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET.
About the Training
Across the country, jurisdictions are grappling with overcrowded jails, system inefficiencies, and the far-reaching consequences of unnecessary pretrial detention. This workshop provides a practical data-informed framework for implementing a jail population review process that helps jurisdictions understand who is in their jail, why they are there, and how to safely reduce unnecessary detention. Participants will explore the impacts of pretrial incarceration, learn how to analyze local jail data, and examine strategies for developing a collaborative review team that drives immediate releases and longer-term system improvements. Through examples, discussion, and real-world lessons from a jurisdiction that has implemented this kind of process, participants will learn how to create a sustainable approach that enhances fairness, efficiency, and public safety.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and value of jail population review in reducing unnecessary detention.
- Examine key jail data to determine trends, decision points, and populations appropriate for review and potential release.
- Develop a collaborative, multidisciplinary process for jail population review, using effective engagement and implementation strategies.
Training Faculty
Tanya Anderson, associate director at the Center for Effective Public Policy
Ms. Anderson has more than 30 years of justice system experience at the local and state levels, including more than two decades in pretrial justice. She previously served as the pretrial services coordinator for the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.
Lakisha Fisher, senior manager at the Center for Effective Public Policy
At CEPP, Ms. Fisher delivers technical assistance to several jurisdictions to improve pretrial practices and facilitate system change. She also develops resources focused on complex pretrial policy and implementation planning.
James Owens, program manager at Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Services
Mr. Owens works to address unnecessary detention and implement practices to safely reduce the pretrial jail population. He is heavily involved in local reform efforts and serves on several key committees working to improve the overall administration of justice in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. These efforts include reducing the number of pretrial technical violations and exploring fast-track options. Mr. Owens is engaged in national initiatives, including work with the NAPSA Accreditation and Education Committees, and serves as the president of the North Carolina Pretrial Association. He has over 20 years of experience in the local criminal justice system, with a strong background in mental health and substance use.
Application Process
If you are interested in attending the webinar on January 29, please complete the registration.Please direct any questions to Samuel Steed, operations assistant at the Center for Effective Public Policy, at ssteed@cepp.com.
