Cass Court & Pretrial Services Anniversary

While Pretrial Services was launched in 2018, today, April 1st, marks the four-year anniversary since being established as an independent agency and becoming our own county department – Court and Pretrial Services. To mark this milestone, I wanted to reflect on our impact on the local justice system and, again, thank you all for your

continued faith in our services and support.

Prior to the implementation of Pretrial Services, Cass County faced significant jail overcrowding, with the facility operating 46% over capacity. This spurred the development of the Pretrial Services program, which has since yielded impressive results. The overall jail population has decreased by 50%, and the percentage of pretrial detainees has dropped by 86%. Additionally, the implementation of text message court hearing reminders by Pretrial Services has led to a 34% decrease in failure to appear warrants. In 2022, Pretrial Services expanded its focus to include probation violators, a growing segment of the jail population, and 83% of probationers released via the program's intervention unit successfully complete supervision when connected to therapeutic services. Data analysis has shown that these positive trends are not simply due to changes in arrest rates or criminal filings, that show only a 2.5% variance from 2018 to 2025.

Furthermore, the Court Services Director serves as the primary grant writer and manager for the Cass County Criminal Justice System, including Pretrial Services, Community Corrections, JRAC, and the Courts. Over the past 5 years, this has resulted in the receipt of $5,873,918.27 in new grant funding, with a 90% award rate.

I would also like to highlight the new Treatment Services Division. Before Pretrial Services, defendants had to wait until conviction to access supportive services and treatment opportunities that help ensure public safety and successful rehabilitation. Our integrated therapeutic model has led to a 20% increase in the Voluntary Program Participant Rate, with 78% of active pretrial clients now participating in various programs and services. This model has helped sustain our 95% Appearance Rate and 89% Public Safety Rate and led to state and national recognition.

In 2024, Cass County Pretrial Services saw a 21% increase in clients served, reaching 363 clients - a 59% rise from 2022. The Pretrial Release Program is now 33% larger than the Cass/Pulaski Home Detention Program, with only a 5% variance between the total community corrections population and the pretrial release program, underscoring the program's growing impact and scope. In the first quarter of 2025, the department had already served 180 clients, 50% of the 2024 population served. We are five clients away from enrolling our 1,500th client.

The Cass County Pretrial Release Program has undeniably transformed the local criminal justice landscape through its innovative and effective client-centric approach. This remarkable accomplishment would not have been possible without the steadfast support and guidance of our community stakeholders, to whom we are deeply grateful, and our entire pretrial team- Hillary Hartoin, Allison Campbell, Robert Baszner and Stan Antonelli. As we reflect on four wonderful years of service, we eagerly anticipate continuing to serve you for many more to come.

Respectfully Submitted.

Hillary L. Hartoin

Hillary L. Hartoin, B.S., CPSP, PCC

Court & Pretrial Services Director

Cass County Local JRAC Chair