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ABOUT APPR

Prior Work

In our first phase of work from 2019 to 2025, APPR piloted new models of technical assistance to pretrial professionals across the country. Our collaboration with jurisdictions was grounded in the law, research, and data; and centered on a commitment to increasing equity.

Research-Action Sites

Six jurisdictions received intensive, long-term assistance to examine their current systems and identify opportunities for improvement, while independent researchers studied and evaluated their changes. 

Learning Sites

These 11 sites received less intensive, shorter-term assistance, bolstered by peer support and a collaborative online workspace, to examine their systems and identify and implement pretrial improvements.

Legacy Sites

Jurisdictions that were early adopters of the Public Safety Assessment received assistance to maintain and elevate their pretrial improvements, including targeted training and technical assistance in one or more specific areas of need.

Rural Pretrial Practitioners Fellowship

Rural jurisdictions often have more limited staff and resources than their larger counterparts. This program provided participants with specialized training, resources, and networking opportunities. The successful mentorship highlighted the need for more collaboration and resources to advance pretrial practices in rural communities.

APPR Research

RTI International (RTI), APPR’s National Research Partner, studied the work in Research-Action Sites. RTI’s research and evaluation aimed to understand how changes are made to pretrial systems, the impacts of those changes, and to identify opportunities for more equitable, fair, and transparent practices for people involved in the pretrial system. Its research agenda also included studying the Public Safety Assessment.

“The investment in data analysis and technical support has given us a new sense of ownership of our own system and made it possible for us to have nuanced, difficult conversations that are informed by evidence.”

Leah Nelson, former research director, Alabama Appleseed, and member, Pretrial Alliance Montgomery

A Roadmap for Pretrial Advancement

Our experience working with dozens of jurisdictions informed the APPR Roadmap for Pretrial Advancement. It is a comprehensive overview of the pretrial phase, from first contact with law enforcement through case processing. It provides lots of “how-to” tips to start the process of improving pretrial justice in your community.

APPR Community

This national forum of pretrial professionals, researchers, and experts is the largest online resource for people working to advance pretrial justice in their communities and nationwide. You can ask questions, share experiences, and connect with professionals on a wide range of pretrial issues. To access the forum, register with APPR.

Join Us

When you register with APPR, you join a community dedicated to improving the delivery of pretrial justice in communities across the country. You’ll be the first to know about free trainings and receive regular updates about the latest resources for pretrial practitioners.