Based on pretrial training designed and delivered by experienced practitioners and agency leaders, this curriculum helps leaders build unified pretrial services teams grounded in shared purpose, confidence, and commitment to better outcomes for systems and people.
These trainings help participants clarify their roles, strengthen their judgment and communication skills, apply consistent and fair pretrial practices, and improve coordination with judges and other system partners to support the effective implementation of pretrial policy.
We approach training as applied learning. Participants build knowledge and apply it through scenarios, exercises, assessments, and discussions relevant to their daily responsibilities and local policies and practices. Our pre- and post-tests measure learning, and participants who complete the training receive a certificate of completion.
Training is flexible and tailored to each jurisdiction’s needs and resources. There are four pathways, from foundational training for line staff to a full academy and train-the-trainer option for those building internal training capacity.
"I enjoyed the different perspectives from the participants and the knowledge of the instructors. They created a safe, productive learning environment. The best pretrial training I have been to."
Pretrial Services Staff
Pathway Overview
Available Virtually or In Person
For jurisdictions pursuing a shared baseline of fundamental principles and practical skills, this core curriculum helps staff understand their role, purpose, and function; build confidence in their work with judges and other system partners; and develop the skills to support effective pretrial practice.
Core topics include:
- Foundational Legal Principles and the “Why” of Pretrial
- Staying True to Pretrial Fundamentals
- The Value of Language
- Procedural Justice
- Characteristics of an Effective Pretrial Program
- Characteristics of Effective Pretrial Staff
For jurisdictions pursuing deeper learning, we offer an in-person training that combines Pretrial Services Fundamentals with one or more topics related to daily pretrial responsibilities.
Areas:
- Pretrial Assessment
- Supervision and Supportive Services
- Responding to Compliance and Noncompliance
- Data and Measuring for Success
- Pretrial Services as a Criminal Justice Stakeholder
Available In Person
For jurisdictions pursuing a comprehensive professional development program designed exclusively for pretrial professionals, the academy combines foundational legal principles with practical, real-world application to prepare participants to perform their roles with confidence, consistency, and a strong understanding of the unique responsibilities of pretrial services.
Includes:
- Comprehensive curriculum with intensive applied learning tailored to jurisdictions of any size, statewide agencies, or pilot cohorts
- Interactive instruction, simulations, exercises, and teach-backs to demonstrate application to daily decisions and responsibilities
- Optional post-training coaching, quality assurance, and policy reviews
Available In Person
This course is available for jurisdictions that complete the Pretrial Services Basic Training Academy and want to build internal training capacity.
Participants prepare to deliver the curriculum within their own agencies or systems, with attention to adult learning, facilitation skills, curriculum fidelity, and appropriate use of training materials.
We will provide facilitator materials, implementation guidance, and facilitator development through coaching, observation, and individualized feedback to support high-quality, sustainable training delivery.
Sample Agenda
See what the first day of a Pretrial Services Fundamentals training looks like for pretrial line staff, supervisors, and leadership who manage pretrial services agencies.
Customized to Your Agency
Across the country, pretrial services teams have varied capacity and resources. Our trainers adapt examples, exercises, scenarios, and discussion questions to local context. This includes state law and court rules, release decision points, agency structure, available services, data systems, assessment tools, terminology, and the local policy environment.
Schedule a Consultation
The first step is scheduling a consultation to discuss a learning path that fits your needs. Submit this form and our team will contact you. Consider partnering with a nearby jurisdiction to share costs. We train a maximum of 30 participants per cohort, and the cost is the same whether there are 10 or 30.
"Learning about pretrial from the most basic aspects to more complex topics gave me an opportunity to feel like I truly understand our mission and future better."
Pretrial Services Staff
Which Pathway Is Right for You?
Start with Pretrial Services Fundamentals to establish a shared foundation in pretrial principles and practice.
Select Pretrial Practitioner Development to strengthen skills in specific areas of practice.
Choose the Pretrial Services Basic Training Academy for comprehensive, cohort-based learning and intensive skill application.
Continue with Train-the-Trainer Partnership to build sustainable internal training capacity.