RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The Effect of Risk Assessment Scores on Judicial Behavior and Defendant Outcomes
JF Journal of Human Resources
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 1778
OP 1810
DO 10.3368/jhr.0221-11470R3
VO 60
IS 5
A1 Sloan, CarlyWill
A1 Naufal, George
A1 Caspers, Heather
YR 2025
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/60/5/1778.abstract
AB Risk assessment has been increasingly adopted in an effort to reduce pretrial detention for poor, low-risk defendants. We examine the impact of risk assessment using administrative data from a large Texas County. We identify effects using a regression discontinuity that exploits the overnight implementation of a risk assessment policy. Results indicate this led to a 6.5 percent increase in nonfinancial bond and an 8.5 percent decrease in pretrial detention, though neither effect persisted beyond two months. Additionally, the policy did not increase violent pretrial crime, though there is some suggestive evidence of increases in nonviolent pretrial crime.