Zero bail policy resulted in 163% more total crime & 200% more violent crime
(Woodland, CA) – In August of 2022, the Yolo County District Attorney published a study and associated analysis of the criminal re-offense rates of individuals released from jail on “Zero Bail” (also known as $0 Bail) as a result of court mandates during the Covid crisis. Yolo County Emergency Bail Analysis – August 5, 2022
That previous study found that of the 595 individuals released on Zero Bail in Yolo County, 420 were rearrested (70.6%) and 123 (20% of the overall number or 29% of those rearrested) were arrested for a crime of violence. The crimes of violence included murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery, carjacking, and domestic violence.
In an expanded study, just completed in February 2023, recidivism during an 18-month period was examined for a random sample of 100 arrested individuals who were released from jail on bail in 2018 or 2019, compared to a random sample of 100 arrested individuals who were released from jail on Zero Bail between April 19, 2020, and May 31, 2021. Offender demographics and original offenses were similar for the comparison groups. Recidivism was counted if the individual was arrested anywhere within 18 months, for at least one new crime, after being previously released.
Key findings of this study include:
- Individuals released on Zero Bail were subsequently rearrested for a total of 163% more crimes than individuals released on bail.
- Arrested individuals released on Zero Bail reoffended at an average rate that was 70% higher than arrestees who posted bail.
- The average recidivism rate for those released on Zero Bail was 78% over 18 months, while the average recidivism rate for those released on bail was only 46%.
- Individuals released on Zero Bail committed new felonies 90% more often than those who posted bail.
- Individuals released on Zero Bail committed new misdemeanors 123% more often than those who posted bail.
- Individuals released on Zero Bail were rearrested for two or more new crimes 148% more often than those released on bail.
- Individuals released on Zero Bail committed new violent offenses 200% more often than those who posted bail.
District Attorney Jeff Reisig stated: “The results of this recent study on the actual impacts of zero bail policies clearly demonstrate that victimization dramatically increases, and public safety is significantly compromised, when bail is eliminated as a tool for use by the courts. A 163% increase in total crime and a 200% increase in violent crime by arrestees released on zero bail, when compared to those released by the courts on traditional bail, is the type of compelling data that should drive future discussion on any contemplated bail reform.”
*The results of this study were independently determined to have strong statistical significance based on sampling process and size. The full report may be viewed here: Zero Bail vs Posted Bail Study – February 6, 2023
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