OUR MISSION
It is our mission to safely reduce unnecessary pretrial detention. We do so by providing high quality investigation and supervision services that enhance community safety while respecting the presumption of innocence. We remain focused on providing services and support that promote positive, transformative change in the lives of those we serve.
The federal Pretrial Risk Assessment (PTRA) is a scientifically based instrument developed by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) and used by United States probation and pretrial services officers to assist in determining a defendant’s risk of failure to appear, new criminal arrests, or technical violations that may lead to revocation while in the pretrial services system.
In conjunction with a thorough pretrial services investigation, the PTRA helps officers make well-informed decisions when making release or detention recommendations to the court. Officers’ investigations and recommendations represent critical components in the criminal justice process to reasonably ensure the future appearance of defendants in court, while ensuring the safety of the community.
The United States probation and pretrial services system embraces evidence-based practices (EBP), which employ the best available scientific data to influence release and detention decisions. A key element of the evidence-based approach is the use of risk assessment instruments to achieve maximum, measurable reductions in pretrial failure rates.
Using the PTRA in combination with their professional judgement, officers can make informed decisions about which people are suitable for release recommendations and help inform possible supervision strategies.
The PTRA gives officers an accurate, evidence-based assessment of:
A person’s failing to appear.
His or her revocation or new criminal activity.
Whether the person should be recommended for release or detention.
CHIEF'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the United States Pretrial Services Office for the Northern District of California.
Our office plays a critical role in the fair and effective administration of justice. We are entrusted with providing the Court with timely, accurate, and objective information to inform pretrial release and detention decisions, while also supervising individuals released to the community pending the resolution of their cases. In doing so, we strive to uphold the foundational principles of our justice system—most notably, the presumption of innocence—while promoting community safety and ensuring court appearance.
We are committed to evidence-based practices, professionalism, and integrity in all aspects of our work. Through collaboration with our judicial partners and stakeholders, we seek to balance risk, reduce unnecessary detention, and connect individuals with resources that support stability and compliance. Our dedicated staff approaches this mission with diligence, respect, and a deep sense of public service.
It is our privilege to serve the Court and the community, and we remain committed to advancing a pretrial system that is fair, transparent, and responsive to the evolving needs of the judiciary.
ABOUT US
Upon the enactment of the Pretrial Services Act of 1982, pretrial services functions were initially performed by the U.S. Probation Office in the Nothern District of California. In 1987, the U.S. Pretrial Services Agency for the Northern District of California was established, creating a separate and independent agency charged with performing pretrial services functions. We have continued to strive to make pretrial liberty the norm since.
FORMER CHIEF U.S. PRETRIAL SERVICES OFFICERS
Primitivo Rodriguez, II
Claudette M. Silvera
Richard Weiking (Acting)
Roy Saenz
