The excessive use (and length) of pre-trial detention is one of the main causes of prison overpopulation. Owing to the risk of flight, non-resident suspects are often remanded in custody, while residents benefit from alternative measures. According to general principles of law, custody pending trial shall be regarded as an exceptional measure and the widest possible use should be made of non-custodial supervision measures. However, the different alternatives to pre-trial detention that exist in national law (eg reporting to the police authorities or travel prohibition) cannot presently be transposed or transferred across borders as States do not recognise foreign judicial decisions on these matters. Download: ec.europa.eu