MOCJ Programs
Supervised Release
Redirecting justice-involved New Yorkers away from jails and into community-based support.
Providing community-based supervision and support for people awaiting trial that offers an alternative to pretrial detention regardless of charge severity. Launched in 2016 and expanded citywide in 2020, SRP reduces reliance on bail and jail by allowing individuals to remain safely in the community while navigating the court process.
Partner PROGRAMS & ORGANIZATIONS
Services Provided & Focus Domains
Court reminders and court navigation support
Individualized supervision plans
Case management and needs assessment
Mental health & substance use treatment
Housing
Impact & Highlights
Who it’s For
- Individuals mandated by the presiding judge at the time of the court hearing/arraignment
- Individuals with an open criminal matter in the NYC jurisdiction that is in the pre-trial phase
- SRP is available regardless of charge severity (post-2020 expansion)
- Located citywide
Why?
New York City faces persistent jail overcrowding and disparities in sentencing. Traditional incarceration often fails to reduce recidivism—frequent re-incarceration worsens community instability.
History
Launched in 2016, the Supervised Release Program was initially limited to lower-level offenses and select boroughs. Following the 2020 bail reform, SRP scaled citywide and expanded eligibility to include higher-level charges.
SRP now offers a therapeutic clinical pretrial option for nearly all cases and has become a national model for pretrial supervision.
By providing supervision and tailored services outside of jail, SRP:
- Preserves liberty while maintaining public safety
- Promotes court appearance through support
- Connects people to voluntary services that address root causes
- Reduces disparities in pretrial outcomes, especially for low-income individuals and people of color
Partner Organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
SRP is not associated with a conviction. Participants are awaiting trial and have not been found guilty. SRP focuses on support and stability while ensuring an individual’s return to court during the pre-trial process.
No. Individuals may decline SRP unless mandated by the court in lieu of bail. Prior to NY bail reform, SRP was a voluntary program with eligibility requirements. In 2020, when bail reform passed under CPL 510.10 (3), SRP was recognized as a form of non-monetary bail, making SRP participation mandatory as ordered by a judge during a court hearing.
Clinical staff will alert court stakeholders of any noncompliance while actively working to re-engage participants. The provider will work to identify programmatic barriers and alert all parties assigned to this matter. As a collective they will address current release conditions with the hope of providing an avenue that promotes a process where the client can return to court at a cadence set forth by the judiciary.
Success Stories
Publications
Intensive Case Management in NYC’s Supervised Release Program: A Technical Assistance Pilot | MDRC