Beyond the Algorithm: Pretrial Reform, Risk Assessment, and Racial Fairness | Center for Court Innovation

Risk Assessment is a HOT BUTTON issue for the Criminal Justice System. Why is it broken now? Is it broken or is it working too good?

Drawing on a case study of more than 175,000 defendants in New York City, this report concludes concerns over risk assessments perpetuating racial disparities in pretrial decisions are real. However, at least in the New York City example, it finds a more targeted use of risk assessments could both significantly reduce pretrial detention and alleviate racial disparities. But realizing that potential requires jurisdictions to think “beyond the algorithm”—what do they want to use a risk assessment for?
— Read on www.courtinnovation.org/publications/beyond-algorithm