The crowding of pretrial detention facilities across the Nation underscores the urgent need for these services. WCS briefly became involved in pretrial services in the 1960's, which jail overcrowding was not a significant consideration. However, subsequent economic, legal, and social changes resulted in extreme overcrowding. Starting in the early 1970's the WCS emerged as a crucial player in efforts to address the problems. WCS now supplies critically important pretrial services through its Court Intervention Unit. These services include bail evaluation, court notification, pretrial and intense supervision, drug testing, and mental health placements. Other services relate to persons whose drivers' licenses have been revoked, drunk driving offenders, and drug treatment. Prosecutors should recognize how a sound pretrial services program provides crucial elements of justice, concern for the citizenry, and care for prisoners. 9 reference notes