Profit Over People: Inside the U.S. Commercial Bail Industry

In order to protect their profit potential, companies in the commercial bail industry advance unjust and harmful cash bail practices across the United States. This series examines the commercial bail industry and demonstrates how its corrupt practices threaten community safety, endanger the physical and financial safety of clients and their loved ones, and erode the presumption of innocence in the criminal legal system.

The Center for American Progress will continue to release products that highlight the commercial bail industry’s harmful practices, demonstrate the impacts of those practices— particularly on marginalized groups—and suggest much-needed reforms.