Santa Cruz County Pretrial Services

The Pretrial Services Program aims to safely release people arrested/charged with the least restrictive level of monitoring while safeguarding community well-being and ensuring court appearances, utilizing actuarial assessments and a decision-making framework. The Pretrial program provides monitoring to those deemed eligible by the courts to remain in the community.

• Since 2015, the average daily population (ADP) has steadily increased.
• 2024 ADP: 327; 2025 ADP 368
• The highest daily census rose from 343 in 2024 to 415 in December 2025
• 631 individuals on Supervised Own Recognizance (SOR)
• 1371 individuals monitored in 2025

Pretrial Risk Assessment Compliance (SB 36 & AB 3364)

Santa Cruz County uses the Public Safety Assessment (PSA) to inform pretrial release decisions. To increase transparency and in compliance with California Penal Code 1320.35, information about the PSA is provided below.

• About the Public Safety Assessment
• How the Public Safety Assessment Works
• Public Safety Assessment Factors and Definitions

       COMMUNITY SCAM ALERT – PRETRIAL SERVICES / ELECTRONIC MONITORING SCAM

       ALERTA DE ESTAFA PARA LA COMUNIDAD – ESTAFA RELACIONADA CON SERVICIOS PREVIOS AL JUICIO / MONITOREO ELECTRÓNICO