MEMPHIS, Tenn — Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy and Mayor Lee Harris announced Thursday, July 18, an update for the bail process for those accused of a crime after complaints about the process arose from the public.
The announcement comes after many Memphians have questioned a system that allowed an 18-year-old suspect who Memphis Police say was involved in the shooting that left one officer dead to be out on bond after a March arrest. Seemingly inconsistent bond amounts have been an issue in other cases as well.
The change involves information that judicial commissioners, who are responsible for setting bail, receive from the county's Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), which is seen over by Harris.
Currently, Mulroy said PSA only provide judges a written form about the defendant's background and criminal record, which included the total number of misdemeanors and felony convictions. However, it did not include specific information about what those convictions involved, such as naming whether the crime was aggravated assault or shoplifting, though judges can possibly get that information over the phone by calling PSA.
"I believe that there is no substitute for having full, complete information written down right in front of the judicial commissioner at the time they make their decision," Mulroy said. "So that's what's going to happen going forward, at least wherever the judicial commissioners [are] presented with a defendant with a serious charge."
Serious charges include those under the Shelby County DA’s Office Fast Track Violent Crime Initiative (V11), including murder, carjacking and smash and grabs. Detailed information for the updated PSA form will include charges, date and final dispositions. The change may be implemented as soon as next week, Mulroy said.
"DA Mulroy has identified a way to get more relevant information to the decision makers, the judicial commissioners, in hopes that we can identify early those folks who pose a threat," Harris said.
The county mayor also said announcements regarding additional changes to the bail process will be announced at later dates.