The Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia (PSA) is a federal independent entity within the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA). PSA has served the Nation’s Capital for more than 45 years. The Agency assists judicial officers in both the Superior Court for the District of Columbia and the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in formulating release recommendations and providing supervision and services to defendants awaiting trial that reasonably assure that those on conditional release return to court and do not engage in criminal activity. PSA has long been a leader in the D.C. criminal justice system and has been recognized nationally for its pretrial drug testing and innovative supervision and treatment programs.
Our Mission
The Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia’s mission is to promote pretrial justice and enhance community safety.
Our Vision
PSA’s vision is to thrive as a leader within the justice system through a diverse, inclusive and empowered workforce that embodies integrity, excellence, accountability, and innovation in the delivery of the highest quality services.
Our Guiding Principles
The presumption of innocence of the pretrial defendant should lead to the least restrictive release consistent with community safety and return to court, and preventive detention only as a last resort, based on a judicial determination of the risk of non-appearance in court and/or danger to any person or to the community. Non-financial conditional release, based on the history, characteristics, and reliability of the defendant, is more effective than financial release conditions. Reliance on money bail discriminates against indigent defendants and cannot effectively address the need for release conditions that protect the public. Pro-social interventions that address substance disorders, employment, housing, medical, educational, and mental health issues afford defendants the opportunity for personal improvement and decrease the likelihood of criminal behavior. Innovation, effective use of technology and the development of human capital lead to organizational excellence, transparency, high professional and ethical standards, and accountability to the public.
PSA’s Core Values
Customer Service
- Excellent service to internal and external customers
- Effective communication at all levels
Initiative
- Continuous learning and improvement
- Proactive problem solving
Integrity
- Highest standards of conduct for employees of a law enforcement agency
- Consistent demonstration of honesty and sincerity
Respect
- Appreciation of cultural and individual differences
- Consistent demonstration of courtesy and professionalism
Teamwork
- Collegial collaboration and cooperation
- Positive interaction with colleagues
- Sincere recognition of contributions
Work Ethic
- Reliability in performance of duties
- Efficient use of time and resources
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity in hiring
- Inclusive workplace engagement
PSA’s FY 2014-2018 Strategic Plan
PSA’s FY 2014-2018 Strategic Plan that identifies strategic and management objectives and performance and priority goals for fiscal years 2014 through 2018, based on feedback from its criminal justice and community-based partners, results from its previous high priority goals and objectives, and anticipated challenges and opportunities over the next four years.
Agency Performance Budgets
PSA’s Congressional Budget Justification is published annually and describes PSA’s programs in the performance plan, the budget estimates for these program activities, and the distribution of the budget by major program. PSA sends its budget request with CSOSA’s to the President who submits it to Congress for authorization. FY 2015 PSA Congressional Budget Justification
