Bail Support Services

Bail Support Services help people apply for bail and make positive progress while on bail.

Bail support officers work in courts, prisons, and communities to support people through the process.

How Bail Support Services help

In court (before bail is granted)

At your court appearance:

• your lawyer can contact a bail support officer who can help:
  • confirm bail availability for you
  • gather information and develop a Bail Information Report for the court.

This support helps the judge make a more informed decision about whether bail can be granted.

In prison (if you are on remand)

If you are in custody awaiting trial:

• bail support officers can work with you and your lawyer to develop a bail application.

They will:

• assess possible addresses where you could live
• talk with people who may support you (such as whānau)
• prepare a Bail Information Report for the court.

This support can help strengthen your application for bail, including EM bail if appropriate.

In the community (after bail is granted)

Once you are granted bail:

• a bail support officer will meet with you during your induction.

They will explain your bail conditions clearly and answer any questions.

They can help you create a plan for your time on bail, which may include:

• connecting you with services such as counselling or addiction support
• supporting you to attend work, education, or training (if approved)
• helping you stay connected with your whānau.

Ongoing support is available to help you meet your bail conditions and make positive progress while your case is before the court.

Bail Support Services locations

Bail Support Services operate in many locations across New Zealand.

Electronic monitoring technology

Corrections uses electronic monitoring (EM) to help ensure people follow the conditions of their court orders or sentences while living in the community. Everyone on EM wears the same type of device, which can operate in different ways depending on the situation.

EM lets us know whether a person is at their approved address when required, confirming their presence at home. It can also provide information about a person’s location while they are out in the community. The device is designed to work both inside and outside buildings.

Get in touch

If you or someone you know wants to access Bail Support Services, or if you have any questions related to the service, please contact one of our teams below.

If you have questions about EM Bail or Bail Support Services, contact us: EM Bail 0800 EM BAIL (0800 362 245) or emteamadmin@corrections.govt.nz