35th U. S. Pretrial Badge

PRETRIAL SERVICES – 1982-2017

The Speedy Trial Act of 1974 designated 10 federal demonstration districts, in which staff would provide a new and distinct function called “pretrial services.” Seven years later, President Ronald Reagan signed the Pretrial Services Act of 1982. The Act focused on the protection of society from dangerous defendants, expanded release conditions, set forth procedures for revocation, and de-emphasized the use of cash bonds.

Some of the work of pretrial services officers entails interviewing defendants, writing reports, supervising defendants, and reporting supervision violations to the court. The United States pretrial services system continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the federal system and the court.

The anniversary pretrial services badge serves as a reminder of the unique role of pretrial services in the federal system and of the important work of pretrial services staff.

BADGE SYMBOLISM

• The silver portion of the badge symbolizes awareness, clarity, and vision due to its bright/clear appearance. 

• The American Bald Eagle represents freedom and faces to the right in the direction of honor.

• The 10 stars floating above the eagle symbolize the first 10 United States pretrial services demonstration districts.

• The arrows symbolize the power of pretrial services to hold defendants accountable, and the olive branches in the foreground signify power tempered by compassion.

• The unsupported shield on the eagle’s breast denotes United States pretrial services relying on its own virtue.

• The blue enamel signifies loyalty, truth, strength, and faith. The black enamel, which represents the U.S. courts’ judicial robes, signifies wisdom, constancy, and prudence.