A new policy in Linn County is attempting to prohibit bond for offenders who violate their probation. Many times, these offenders are committing the same crimes while on bond that they were arrested for in the first place. Bond is not a right given to all offenders; it is granted to offenders by the judge presiding over their case.
The man behind the new policy is Linn County Attorney Jerry Vander Sanden. Vander Sanden wants to keep repeat felony offenders off the streets while they await trial. The “no bond” policy would only affect those who commit serious probation violations or who have a history of violating probation. The policy, Vander Sanden states, is a matter of public safety.