Its jails bursting, Philadelphia seeks bail system changes

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — More than 7,800 men and women sit in Philadelphia's overcrowded jails, three-quarters of them languishing while they await trial under a bail system that critics call outmoded and that cities — and the White House — are working to change.

Hundreds in the nation's fifth-largest city would be free, including nonviolent and first-time offenders, if there were alternatives to bail, a recent tally of the daily jail population showed.

On Thursday, the White House and Justice Department are meeting to discuss criminal justice practices, including in the bail system, that contribute to the what the administration said is a "vicious cycle of poverty and incarceration that traps many Americans."

If changes are made, the way his story ultimately ended could be the norm.

Because Chappelle had never been arrested, he was eligible for a program called The Choice Is Yours.

On Philadelphia's wish list: creating a computer model unique to the population that is focused on a defendant's flight risk, starting more diversion programs, and expanding the electronic monitoring program and other supervised release options that would further reduce the need for cash bail.

Philadelphia has introduced some changes in recent years, including specialty courts for mental health and veterans issues, as well as video court appearances to resolve cases more quickly.