Pre-Trial Services Program & Location Monitoring
The Nineteenth Judicial District Court is in the process of implementing their Pretrial Services Program (PTS). Having evolved from the previous Bond Office, PTS continues to maintain many of those foundational responsibilities while supporting and becoming an integral part of the Commissioners’ Court. The responsibilities of this office generally occur in two distinct stages.
The first stage revolves around gathering, compiling, and processing information on individuals who have been recently booked on new charges. Pretrial Officers conduct a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) on most individuals. The PSA is an evidence-based risk assessment tool that uses objective data to help evaluate the likelihood of pretrial success. (See external link below for more information.) The resulting report and paperwork are provided to the Commissioners to help inform their decisions during bail setting.
The second stage of the pretrial process involves a tailored approach typically determined by the PSA and the discretion of the Court. Based on these factors, defendants generally fall into one of the following categories:
Held In Custody: Some defendants do not receive bail and are held in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison (EBRPP).
Location Monitoring: Defendants assigned to bond supervision and GPS monitoring fall under the program's Location Monitoring aspect and are required to retain the services of a private electronic monitoring company. (See link below to downloadable list of all active Court approved monitors.)
Pretrial Supervision: Defendants assigned to supervision with Pretrial Officers are typically required to complete routine phone call check-ins. Officers also provide reminders of upcoming court dates and offer contact information for various community resources (e.g., housing, food, employment, and education).
No Supervision: Some defendants are released without being assigned to any type of pretrial supervision.
Contact Information
Phone: (225) 389-4763
Pretrial Officers: Derricka Palmer; Monica Hughes; Gerard Guidry
Please note: Pretrial Officers are located within the Commissioners' offices.
Location Monitoring Coordinator: Alysha Belgard
Location 3rd Floor | Suite 3401
Address 19th Judicial District Court
300 North Boulevard, Ste 3401
Baton Rouge, LA 70801