Although the evaluation of pretrial services agencies (PSA's) conducted by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts does not permit the conclusion that differences observed after the implementation of PSA's are attributable to them, pretrial services should be continued and expanded to all Federal districts because (1) data do support that judicial officers make more informed and equitable decisions when aided by PSA's; (2) well-run pretrial release programs in State and local courts are consistently found to decrease the number of defendants detained by financial bond, provide safe alternatives to pretrial detention, and reduce the costs of pretrial handling; and (3) pretrial release screening should be available to the defendants and judicial officers in each district. Further, PSA's should be placed under a central and independent agency within the Administrative Office of the Courts. This will ensure the establishment of standards for the administration of PSA's as well as the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of pretrial release services. Prior to the establishment of PSA's throughout all district courts, the central administration should review the data it has compiled and use this information when establishing standards. PSA's should also be allowed to augment their screening functions for purposes other than pretrial release recommendations.