Hau Arotahi - Bail Support Services (BSS) supports people applying for bail. Once people are on bail, Bail Support Officers can help them access programmes and support services they need.

We want to help reduce the amount of time people spend remanded in custody, connect people with programmes and services that will help them stay free of crime while on bail, encourage people to take positive steps forward earlier in the criminal justice process, and help whānau receive a better sentencing outcome.

BSS can be accessed by individuals, their counsel, or their whānau.

BSS is an opt-in opt-out service.

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Before bail is granted, Bail Support Officers can:

·     Arrange an interview with the individual, with permission from their legal representative.

·     Check if they have a safe address to be bailed to.

·     Work with individuals, their whānau, and legal counsel to make strong bail proposals that address unmet needs.

Accessing Hau Arotahi (Bail Support Services):

In Court- The service is accessible for defendants from before their first appearance in Court. Bail Support Officers in the courts can gather information for bail applications. This helps Judges make timely and informed decisions on granting bail.

In Prison- Bail Support Officers work with newly remanded people in prison, and their counsel, to complete pre-checks. This could include checking the bail address and speaking to its occupants. They gather this information to ensure the bail or EM Bail proposal is as strong as possible.

In the Community- If bail is granted, Bail Support Officers offer defendants community support while they are in court or through their lawyer.

BSS is an opt-in opt-out service.