You asked for a list of bail commissioners and the racial composition of the group. You also wanted to know if commissioners are appointed for a certain term and their required qualifications and application process. You also asked what the difference is between a bail commissioner and an assistant bail commissioner.

The judges of each Superior Court or a committee of the judges appoint bail commissioners and assistant bail commissioners (CGS § 54-63b(d)). Currently there are 54 bail commissioners and no assistant bail commissioners. Of the 54 bail commissioners, 44 are Caucasian, nine are African-American, and one is Hispanic. (See the attachment for a list of names.)

By law, Supreme Court judges set the commissioners' qualifications. According to Eileen Finn of the Supreme Court's human resources office, the current qualification is an associate's degree from an accredited educational institution. However, according to Melissa Farley of the Judicial Branch, because a large number of applicants typically apply for each vacancy most commissioners have at least a bachelor's degree.

Commissioners are offered permanent positions, just as any other state employee. When a vacancy occurs, that office collects application forms and checks each applicant's qualifications. The Office of the Bail

Commission, which is located in the Court Support Services Division, interviews the best-qualified applicants and checks finalists' references. The Commission then makes an offer to the chosen candidate.

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