How We Reported Our Mississippi Bond Story: A Guide to Our Methodology
A unique database offered an unprecedented look at the lucrative business.
Today, in collaboration with USA TODAY NETWORK – Jackson (Miss.) Clarion-Ledger, we published a story on Mississippi’s profitable bail bond industry. The story, built around a unique database, offers a rare look at exactly how much money bond company owners churn from the state’s steady flow of misdemeanor charges. The top money-maker took in $2.6 million over 18 months, almost half of it from people charged with low-level crimes.
Here’s how we did it.
When someone is arrested, a judge will often set bail. Bail is meant to guarantee the person will show up to court while the case is being decided. But plenty of people cannot afford the whole amount, which can
