What PSA Does

The Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia is the Federal agency responsible for gathering information about newly arrested defendants and preparing the recommendations considered by the Court in deciding release options. We recommend the least restrictive conditions that promote public safety and return to court. Virtually no defendants currently are released on surety bonds.

PSA supervises defendants released to the community through a variety of programs that include drug treatment, mental health services and referral to a range of social services. PSA has partnerships with various justice agencies and community organizations as a way to build our capacity for support services for defendants under pretrial supervision.