ICYMI: New Hampshire Invests in Bail Notification System for Law Enforcement

CONCORD, NH - Law enforcement across New Hampshire will soon be able to receive timely bail information thanks to a $500,000 investment from the State for a new bail notification system. The Governor and Executive Council approved an update to the New Hampshire State Police's existing contract impacting their online telecommunications system at their meeting on Wednesday, February 11, and the bail notification system is expected to be available for law enforcement use by the end of May.

This new system will strengthen New Hampshire's efforts to keep violent repeat offenders behind bars, protect victims of crimes, and prevent future tragedies, building off the momentum from last year's bipartisan effort to fix the broken bail system.

"While we successfully ended the failed bail reform experiment last year, we're always looking for ways to make New Hampshire even safer, protect victims, and support law enforcement," said Governor Kelly Ayotte. "Giving officers timely data on bail conditions makes it easier to get violent offenders off our streets and ensure they can't do further harm. I was proud to see the Executive Council approve this critical investment that will enhance officer safety and help keep dangerous criminals behind bars."

The bail notification system lets law enforcement officers quickly see an offender's bail information on the same day as ordered by the court. The system, which will be established within the Department of Safety's State Police On-Line Telecommunications System (SPOTS), will enable New Hampshire courts personnel to proactively share a defendant's bail status and certain bail conditions with law enforcement. Previously, law enforcement officers had to contact agencies or courts directly for such information. This helps officers know right away if someone is violating bail and improves safety for both law enforcement and the public.

"The ability to share this information quickly is critical to ensuring officer safety, protecting residents and visitors, and holding individuals who violate their bail orders accountable," said Department of Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn. "We have been working closely with the Administrative Office of the Courts to establish an interface between the court-provided bail data and the SPOTS system."

The Judicial Branch provides the bail information that goes into the system and connects its court case system to it. When a judge sets or changes someone's bail conditions, that information is shared electronically so law enforcement can see the most up-to-date information. The upgrade also makes sure the court system and police system communicate securely and accurately, reducing delays and errors. Law enforcement officers will still be able to seek clarification and confirm details about a defendant's bail conditions from the court of jurisdiction.

"I appreciate the teamwork of the Governor's Office, court staff, and the Department of Safety to ensure that timely bail data is in the hands of law enforcement officials," said Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald of the New Hampshire Supreme Court. "The New Hampshire Judicial Branch is committed to working with our partners in State government on such common-sense public safety measures."

The Department of Safety will provide training documentation when available. The new bail notification system is expected to be available for law enforcement use by the end of May.