What can lead to community mistrust in the justice system?

Improper release decisions can significantly contribute to community mistrust in the justice system because they can create perceptions of inequity and lack of accountability. When individuals are released under conditions that seem arbitrary, unfair, or not guided by sound risk assessments, it can lead to feelings of insecurity within the community. Residents may believe that dangerous individuals are being released without appropriate consideration for public safety, or that certain groups are treated preferentially, leading to resentment and skepticism towards the justice system.

In contrast, consistently fair practices encourage trust and confidence in the justice system, as they signal to the community that decisions are made based on objective criteria rather than biases. High bail amounts for everyone can also breed mistrust, particularly if individuals feel that they are being financially penalized regardless of their circumstances. A lack of focus on public safety worries the community about their wellbeing, but it may not directly lead to mistrust as much as improper release decisions do.