The Pre-trial Services Unit provides verified community ties information for recently arrested defendants to the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda. The information is used by the judge or commissioner to determine a defendant's eligibility to be released from jail on his or her own recognizance - without posting bail. The Unit interviews defendants and conducts an investigation into each defendant's ties to the community, potential danger to the community, reliability for attending court dates, and prepares a written report for each defendant interviewed.