The California Association of Pretrial Services is a statewide organization of professionals working in the field of pretrial services. The association grew out of a series of informal meetings of pretrial practitioners in 1972. The current membership includes pretrial managers, line staff, criminal justice consultants, and researchers.

The mission of the California Association of Pretrial Services is to:

• Promote professional competence and responsibility in the field of pretrial services;
• Promote the exchange of ideas, communication, and discussion of issues;
• Sponsor educational and training programs for professionals in the field and the public;
• Encourage the continuation, expansion, and establishment of pretrial services in the State of California; and
• Promote research, improvements, and development of standards for the field of pretrial services.