Ransom and Freedom: Ending Cash Bail in Philly

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In 2021, the people of Philadelphia spent $21,799,725.00, in cash bail to pay for the freedom of their loved ones. While communities and families across the city were impacted by our cash bail system, the burden fell disproportionately on the following five zip codes: 19134, 19140, 19120, 19124, and 19143. Each of these zip codes – some of the poorest and most racially segregated in our city – paid over $1 million in bail, and collectively accounted for nearly a third of all bail paid in the city. 

In September 2021, the Philadelphia Bail Fund began the process of surveying people in the aforementioned zip codes in order to amplify the voices of communities targeted by inequitable bail practices.  We went door to door asking people to fill out our Community Survey on Cash Bail and Incarceration.  871 people responded.  These responses tell us very clearly that the most impacted communities know Philadelphia’s cash bail system is unfair, that it doesn’t keep us safe, and that to ensure public safety we must invest in our communities, not cuff them. Here are some key findings:

Cash Bail Doesn’t Keep Us Safe

In Philadelphia, 63% of respondents surveyed believe that the cash bail system does not keep them safe. Only 17% believed it made our communities safe.

Philadelphia’s Cash Bail System is Unfair

65% of respondents believe that Philadelphia's Cash Bail System is unfair. Only 16% believed it was a fair system.

Philadelphians Believe Investing in Communities is the Best Way to Promote Public Safety. 

When asked what keeps our communities safe, the majority of respondents stated: education and youth programs, mental health/addiction recovery services, and job/economic development.  The majority of respondents believed we should invest in their communities to ensure public safety.