The bond setting process in Shelby Co. now includes “law enforcement notes” for judges’ review

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office is now working with the Memphis Police Department to give judicial commissioners more information about their defendants to help them set appropriate bail.

Judges appointed by the Shelby County Commission will now have a new section on their bond setting forms titled “Prosecution Notes,” replacing the previous bond recommendation section.

Prosecutor Steve Mulroy says the updated documentation is intended to help judicial commissioners make more informed decisions when setting bail.

“Safety is our top priority,” said District Attorney Steve Mulroy. “By providing more relevant information to judicial commissioners and judges, bonds can better reflect the public safety risks posed by defendants. This isn’t about blaming. It’s about providing decision-makers with the best information available to ensure public safety while maintaining fairness and accountability within the justice system.”

The Law Enforcement Considerations section contains the following considerations:

1. Evidence of flight – Indicators of whether the defendant might attempt to escape before the trial.
2. Evidence of evasion – Any known history or actions that indicate the defendant may attempt to evade prosecution.
3. Evidence of violence – Including physical violence and behavior displayed on social media that may indicate a propensity for violent behavior.
4. Evidence of other crimes – Information about previous crimes or related activities.
5. Other relevant information – Any additional factors that may be relevant to public safety and the appropriateness of the bond – e.g. B. belonging to a gang.

Back in July, District Attorney Mulroy and County Mayor Lee Harris announced changes to the bail-setting process.

They said in a press conference that judicial commissioners had previously been told the number of offenses committed by a defendant, but never the details.

“It [the bail form] “Doesn’t say that the conviction was for aggravated assault, or that the misdemeanor conviction was for simple soul or shoplifting,” Mulroy said during that conference.

“It’s all about information, and that’s why Attorney General Mulroy has found a way to get more information to the decision-makers, the judicial commissioners, in the hope that we can identify early on those who pose a threat,” said Mayor Harris.

However, Chief Justice Commissioner John Marshall argued that these claims were “misleading”.

He previously told Action News 5 that district judges already have access to defendants’ full criminal histories and that citizen safety is paramount when setting bail in accordance with new state law that went into effect July 1 have priority.

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