Press Release

Press Release  Text Message Notification for those on Pretrial Probation is underway in every court across the Commonwealth

The new Interactive Text Response System (ITR), which alerts probationers of upcoming court dates and meetings, is now available in courts across the Commonwealth.
For immediate release:
1/04/2021
  • Massachusetts Probation Service

Media Contact   for Text Message Notification for those on Pretrial Probation is underway in every court across the Commonwealth

Coria Holland, Communications Director

Woman texting

MassachusettsThis new text messaging system, launched November 10, was designed to reduce the number of warrants issued for failure to appear” and reduce unnecessary pretrial detention.

During the pandemic when courts are operating with a smaller staff, defendants are reminded to check in with lawyers who will provide a virtual court date. Individuals may also check with the Clerks office. Roughly 35 percent of defendants nationwide fail to appear for court dates. In the Bay State, 12.6 percent of defendants fail to show up, according to Deputy Commissioner of Pretrial Services Pamerson Ifill.

The Massachusetts Probation Service in collaboration with the Trial Courts Judicial Information Services Department (JISD) was tasked with developing a text notification system as part of the 2018 Criminal Justice Reform passed by the state legislature.

As part of this effort, Probation created a Pretrial Services Division, which is managed by Deputy Commissioner of Pretrial Services Pamerson Ifill and includes two employees: Associate Probation Officer Jameson Dorrine and Pretrial Services Operations Coordinator Tracy Callanan. On any given day there are some 19,000 criminal defendants under pretrial supervision in the Commonwealth, according to Deputy Ifill who develops statewide strategy and builds capacity to manage and coordinate various aspects of comprehensive pretrial services with the goal of reducing failure to appear rates, reliance on cash bail, and to provide supports and services for individuals in the pretrial phase of cases that can lead to effective prosecution diversion or improved outcomes post sentencing.

This system is critical in reducing warrants and unnecessary detention and the impact they can have on people and their lives,” he said. If you dont show up in court, a warrant is issued. Often times, people dont show up simply because they forget. There is no nefarious reason,” Deputy Ifill said.

When you think of the pandemic, you think of food insecurity and the unemployment rate in Massachusetts. People are struggling with a lot of different bandwidth issues so this is a very helpful reminder to people, a simple reminder so that they wont have to worry about court dates,” he said.

Deputy Ifill added, The impact a warrant can have in terms of people being held and detained—even if it is short term— can be disruptive to family, employment, and have that rolling effect that can have a significant impact on peoples lives. Its a huge move for us here in the Massachusetts Court system. Despite the fact that we dont have a huge failure to show rate, we still do have pockets and it is important to understand that.”

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Media Contact   for Text Message Notification for those on Pretrial Probation is underway in every court across the Commonwealth

  • Massachusetts Probation Service 

    MPS's main goal is to keep communities safe and to provide people on probation with the rehabilitative tools they need to live a productive and law-abiding life.

    Effective Monday, July 20, 2020, the Office of the Commissioner of Probation will be open to the public by appointment only. If you wish to make an appointment or speak with someone regarding sealing or expunging a record or have questions for the Records Unit, please call (617) 557-0225.
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