A Discussion about pretrial services with Wendy Venvertloh, Executive Director of the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies

Justice Speaks is continuing a series of interviews regarding individuals who are impacting the Justice System, specifically in this case, for those who are under supervision in the form of pretrial services. In this episode we interview Wendy Venvertloh, Executive Director of National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies.  This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

About Director Venvertloh

Director Venvertloh begins by sharing her background, which is deeply rooted in community corrections. Originally planning to pursue a PhD in criminal justice, she quickly found her passion working in the field. She reflects on her experiences at the Adams County, Illinois Probation Department, before transitioning to a state-level role in Illinois as the pretrial administrator for the administrative office of the courts. Her involvement in the creation of the Statewide Pretrial Office, and later her appointment as its deputy director, solidified her position as a leader in the field.

She also highlights the history and mission of NAPSA, a national organization with a 51-year legacy of providing education and technical assistance to professionals in pretrial services. Director Venvertloh shares recent milestones for NAPSA, including record-breaking attendance at its annual conference and an upcoming event planned for September 2025, in Atlanta.

The Role of Pretrial Services

A major focus of the conversation is the role pretrial services play in the American criminal justice system. Director Venvertloh explains that pretrial services provide courts with critical background information to make informed decisions on whether individuals should be released or detained before their trial. These services also offer supervision to those released, helping them comply with court orders and appear for their hearings. She highlights the effectiveness of court call reminders—an evidence-based practice that has been proven to significantly improve court appearance rates and overall satisfaction with the justice system.

Director Venvertloh also emphasizes the responsibilities of pretrial services officers, noting that empathy and understanding are crucial for success in this role. Unlike probation officers, pretrial officers work with individuals who are still presumed innocent, which requires a compassionate approach. She discusses the importance of building personal relationships and humanizing the justice process, particularly as the field moves toward meaningful criminal justice reform. One key reform she advocates for is the elimination of cash bail, which she believes disproportionately harms people of color and those living in poverty.

Technology in Pretrial Services

The conversation then shifts to the growing role of technology in pretrial services. Director Venvertloh discusses advancements in notification systems, which have improved court attendance, and touches on the significance of data collection and analysis in making informed decisions about pretrial release. She acknowledges the challenges that come with this but remains hopeful that the integration of evidence-based practices will continue to improve the system.

Additionally, Director Venvertloh expresses the importance of shifting away from punitive approaches in favor of supportive, rehabilitative measures that help individuals succeed while balancing public safety. She notes that the decisions made by pretrial services officers are crucial to determining who should remain in custody, and emphasizes the need to make thoughtful choices that protect society while conserving resources.

Director Venvertloh offers a compelling look at the current and future landscape of pretrial services. Her vision for the field highlights the importance of technology, data-driven decision-making, and a shift toward empathy and reform. 

We wish to thank Director Venvertloh for sharing her insights and experiences on Justice Speaks. We also wish to thank Reconnect for sponsoring this podcast episode.

Additional Resource

You can watch this interview by going to the Justice Speakers Institutes’ YouTube Channel or by clicking here.