On The Map

Despite the challenges, PTA's find the work fulfilling and take pride in the results. "When I first started, I didn't feel like we were on the map," said Jokey. "No one really knew what CJA was or why we were here at first. These days they know who we are, they respect us, we're on the map."

While many staff enjoy a rewarding and lasting career in the PTA ranks, others appreciate the opportunities it opens in other fields. One of CJA's earliest Pretrial Interviewers even credited his experience at CJA with his success in the US Congress. Representative Adriano Espaillat of Brooklyn worked at CJA for 7 years starting in 1979, and discussed that time in an interview several years ago. "You become acquainted with the process and what happens out there with the police, DAs, defendants, but also interviewing people from all walks of life and all types of cases from turnstile jumper to murderer. It’s like life training for me, an eye-opening experience just to come in touch with all the things going on out there...I would say it is a great experience for someone just coming out of college, if you go to law school, people in transition."

Although their stories from over the years could certainly fill a few TV seasons, PTA's probably won't get a primetime show anytime soon. Regardless, their dedication to reducing pretrial detention while acknowledging the humanity in the people they meet has earned them deep respect from those in and around the court system. The information they gather fuels CJA's pretrial research, and their involvement has led to many successful pilot programs that seek to push CJA's mission even further. The role has come a long way since future Congressman Espaillat worked the interview booths of Manhattan Central Booking, but the value of the work he described has never wavered. "It gives you so much experience in life and criminal justice and I think it’s just a great opportunity."

Related Content