Volunteers of America Ohio and Indiana broke ground on their latest recovery home construction project in Indianapolis. Read Source Article by clicking here.
Medicaid is now paying for health care in jails and prisons, helping smooth inmates’ return to the community. Corrections and law enforcement officials say they’re all for it. Read Source Article by clicking here. May require subscription to read...
Since their peak less than three years ago, opioid overdose deaths dropped nearly by half as of October, according to a Stateline analysis. The drop comes as a shrinking fentanyl supply has made the drug weaker and less deadly and volunteer efforts get more people...
Have an idea, innovation, or success story worth sharing? Now is your chance to take the stage! The Call for Presenters for the 2026 POPAI Fall Conference opens Monday, March 23rd. We are seeking dynamic speakers to share insights, best practices, and...
In 2026, the Marion County Judicial Selection Committee (MCJSC) will fulfill its statutory duty to make public recommendations to voters concerning the retention of Marion Superior Court judges. To stand for retention (approval or rejection by Marion County voters) in...
The Beyond Substance podcast releases a new episode exploring one of the most debated substances in America today: marijuana. As legalization expands and cultural attitudes shift, this conversation moves beyond headlines to examine both scientific evidence and lived...
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun is expected to sign legislation recently approved by the House of Representatives that would remove some prominent local legal organizations from the process of selecting Marion County judges. Read source article here. May require...
The POPAI Donald “Charley” Knepple Memorial Scholarship ($2,500) is open to POPAI Probation Officer Members pursuing higher education. Download the application now to gather required documents: Application Two professional recommendation letters Resume A 300-word...
A statewide prohibition on sleeping in public spaces is on the way to Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s desk, after Senate lawmakers on Thursday narrowly agreed to House changes in a 28-22 vote. Read Source Article by clicking here.
Signing up for substance use disorder treatment in California prisons involves taking more frequent drug tests. The results, which are prone to error, can set back a prisoner’s chance for freedom. Read source article by clicking here.
Supporters frame as compassionate approach, while opponents say lack of resources could lead to jail time and fines. Read source article by clicking here.
New restrictions could impact the programs. Read source article by clicking here.
Read the final report and recommendations by clicking here.
The proposed constitutional amendment still needs majority voter approval to take effect. Read source article here.
Read source article here.
Lawmakers divided over limiting disease spread versus arguments of enabling drug abuse. Read source article by clicking here.
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Bill advancing in the Senate would increase disclosure requirements to legislators and news media. Read source article here.
With ongoing concerns for youth safety on its radar, the Marion County Superior Court has developed a new initiative to reform juvenile justice—and it’s entirely outside of a courtroom. Read source article here. Please note: may require subscription to The Indiana...
Read source article here. Please note: may require subscription to The Indiana Lawyer.
A bill looking to ban kratom in all forms sparked debate among Utahns on pain relief and accidental overdoses. Read source article by clicking here.
Read source material here.
Are you joining us at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Carmel, Indiana? Hotel rooms are available at the Drury Plaza Hotel for $133.00 per night before taxes. Reservations can be made at this link. Please make your reservations by Thursday, February 6, 2026 to receive your...
Legalization supporters encouraged by Trump’s action, but stance of state leaders remains unchanged. Read source article by clicking here.
The proposed constitutional change would let Hoosiers decide if judges should have more authority to deny bail. Read source article by clicking here.
On January 14, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. (Eastern), Hon. Loretta Rush, Chief Justice of Indiana, addressed the Governor and a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly for her twelfth annual State of the Judiciary address. Click on this link to see photos and view a...
A Tippecanoe County judge and his wife remained hospitalized Sunday night after both were shot at the doorway of their Lafayette home, as investigators worked to identify a suspect and determine what led to the attack. Read source article here.
For nearly thirty years, Judge Fran Gull has been a fixture in the Allen County Courthouse. Monday, the Superior Court judge announced her plan to retire at the end of her term on Dec. 31, 2026. Read Source Article here.
Homelessness may not look the way many imagine it, particularly in rural Indiana. Rural areas saw a 16.6% increase in people experiencing homelessness between 2023 and 2025, according to Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority data. During that same time...
Chief Justice Loretta Rush has been delivering State of the Judiciary speeches for 12 years—despite not enjoying public speaking. Read Source Article here.
The legislation matches a federal measure some advocates predict will ‘decimate’ the industry — then sets out regulations for what’s left. Read source article here.
States are passing laws to prevent artificially intelligent chatbots, such as ChatGPT, from being able to offer mental health advice to young users, following a trend of people harming themselves after seeking therapy from the AI programs. Read Source Article...
The bipartisan proposal would largely require defendants to be present for the reading of victim impact statements. Read Source Article here.
Registration is now open for the Spring Management Institute, which will be held March 4–6 at the Drury Inn, located at 9625 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis. March 4 is traditionally our New Chiefs Orientation. The Institute is free for new chiefs to attend, and we...
The judges of the Indiana Court of Appeals have elected Elizabeth Tavitas to a three-year term as chief judge of the appellate court. Read Source Article here (may require subscription to Indiana Lawyer)
Hoosier attorneys will soon be introduced to an updated electronic filing system to organize trial and appellate court documents and information in both civil and criminal cases. Read Source Article Here (May require subscription to Indiana Lawyer)
Indiana syringe exchange programs would be extended another decade under a bill before lawmakers. During a lengthy committee hearing on Wednesday, many advocates and lawmakers spoke in favor. Read Source Article.
WRTV Investigates has learned a staff shakeup is underway at the Indiana Department of Child Services— the state agency tasked with investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect. A DCS spokesperson confirmed 23 employees were terminated from the agency this...
The Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers, Inc. is holding a 2-hour webinar on Thursday, January 29 starting at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern) celebrating the transformative impact of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics across Indiana. The Zoom webinar...
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush will address the Governor and a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly for the annual State of the Judiciary. The formal update on the work of the judicial branch will be held Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 4:30 p.m....
Gov. Mike Braun on Tuesday touted what his administration called major public safety gains in its first year, pointing to large drug seizures, stepped-up traffic enforcement and a sharp decline in overdose deaths as evidence that Indiana is “safer” under...
A new program is aimed at addressing mental and emotional instability among Indiana students. Read Source Article here.
Fifty-nine children died of caregiver abuse or neglect in 2024, according to an annual report from the Indiana Department of Child Services released Monday, just before the end of 2025. Of those, 18 were due to abuse and 41 were due to neglect. The total has stayed in...
A Southern Indiana judge credited with starting the state’s first veterans court and expanding the reach of problem-solving courts is retiring after nearly two decades on the bench. Read Source Article here.
Read Source Article here.
Read Source Article here (may require subscription).
Read Source Article here (may require subscription).
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health said significantly fewer people they oversee who needed mental health services in the state ended up in county jails over the last year, findings it attributed to a 2024 bill lawmakers passed to reduce how often people are...
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to loosen federal restrictions on marijuana, which Trump said reflected the drug’s potential medical benefits while discouraging recreational use. Read Source Article here.
Indiana prosecutors hope to fend off a proposed constitutional amendment they say could politicize prosecutorial decision-making — and, on Tuesday, released their own suggested legislative fixes. Read Source Article by clicking here.
The Treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Association and shall maintain all financial records. The Treasurer shall accept and disburse funds upon approval of the Executive Board in accordance with the established budget and submit a financial...
POPAI Is Hiring a Website Administrator The Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) is seeking a Website Administrator to support and maintain our online presence at gopopai.org. About the Position The Website Administrator will: Maintain and...
Original Article may be found here.
In an effort to better connect with our membership across the state, POPAI is excited to announce that our 2026 Board Meetings will be on the road. This new approach reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility, transparency, and statewide engagement. By bringing...
The newest episode of the Beyond Substance podcast offers a powerful look into the lives of first responders navigating trauma, addiction, and recovery. Hosted by Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller, the episode features two compelling guests: retired Indianapolis...
The Indiana Supreme Court’s Chief Administrative Officer, Justin Forkner, is leaving his position in January 2026. Forkner will join a Northwest Indiana law firm in their appellate practice section. Read press release here.
This commentary was written by Zach Stock. Mr. Stock is an appellate public defender and serves as legislative counsel for the Indiana Public Defender Council. Source Material can be located here.
Read Source Article here.
Municipal, county, and tribal jurisdictions are invited to apply for an innovative 12-month strategic planning process to evaluate their current system and create an actionable plan to improve pretrial outcomes and enhance community safety and well-being. Get more...
Source article may be found here.
When Susan Akin first started injecting a coveted weight-loss drug made by Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. early this year, the chaos in her brain quieted. The relentless cravings subsided—only they’d never been for food. Read Source Article here. *May require...
The latest edition of the Indiana Court Times can be accessed here.
Three Indiana counties have recently celebrated the opening of new spaces that either house their courts or strive to keep individuals out of the justice system. In Elkhart and Morgan counties, new courthouses offer much more than additional space: they combine...
The Indiana Bail and Release Review Commission has released their final report. A copy of the report may be found here.
Rural and urban criminal legal systems can differ widely. They have different needs, resources, and conditions. Yet, most initiatives and reform efforts focus on urban jurisdictions that experience higher volumes of people with criminal legal involvement. In...
How do we define success in probation? For decades, recidivism has dominated performance conversations—but it tells only part of the story. Join the Center for Effective Public Policy (CEPP) for a free webinar, Measuring What Matters: Defining Success...
Municipal, county, and tribal jurisdictions are invited to apply for an innovative 12-month strategic planning process to evaluate their current system and create an actionable plan to improve pretrial outcomes and enhance community safety and well-being. Read the...
CASPER — My name was Robert Mo McGee. I was 25 years old, recently released from a five-year stint in jail for drug possession. I had no job and lived with my grandmother. Or rather, that is who I was during a one-hour reentry simulation at the Natrona Council for...
At its annual public meeting, the Alaska Board of Parole offered little explanation, but advocates want to know more about their criteria and say more transparency will help reduce recidivism. Read the Source Article at Alaska Beacon
Impaired driving remains one of the most serious threats to public safety in the United States, and the recent increase in polysubstance- and drug-impaired driving is a top concern we must address. December is Impaired Driving Prevention Month and the perfect...
The Indiana Youth Institute announced a statewide effort Tuesday to increase support for children, aiming to ensure each Hoosier child has at least five supportive adults in their lives by 2050. Read the Source Article on Indiana Capital Chronicle
Grant County officials updated the J-RAC on Sept. 2 about opioid-settlement spending and local behavioral-health capacity. This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. Read the Source Article on Citizen Portal
Indiana’s trial courts use largely individually set, unwritten methodologies to decide who’s poor enough for publicly funded legal defense, the state has found. Read the Source Article on Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indianapolis, IN – October 31, 2025 – The Beyond Substance podcast, hosted by Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller, returns for its third season with an opening episode that shines a light on how schools influence and are influenced by youth substance use,...
For a limited time, you can enjoy a one-year individual membership and become part of a dynamic network of professionals dedicated to advancing justice and community safety for just $5.00. The offer expires on December 31, 2025. To join click on this...
Our goal is to provide essential, curated news relevant to your work as a Probation Officer. If you don’t receive a Weekly Digest, it’s a sign that no new articles met POPAI’s high standard for relevance and impact this week. We only send a digest...
Four Kosciusko County Council members voted Thursday to give the probation officers a $5,000 stipend in 2026, while three others voted against it, though the amount was half of what the judges had sought for them. Read the Source Article on Times-Union
INDIANAPOLIS – In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) announced more than $6.1 million in grants to organizations across the state dedicated to supporting survivors and preventing domestic violence. Read the...
Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush addressed a bevy of court-related issues when meeting with reporters Tuesday — including technology and safety. Read the Source Article
Read the Source Article
The nation’s prison population grew for the second consecutive year in 2023, reversing more than a decade of steady decline. Read the Source Article
New data show Indiana’s entries into the state’s foster care system increased by 30%, from just over 6,000 children to nearly 7,900 children, between 2023 and 2024 even as the national average fell from 2%. Read the Source Article
For Gen Z adults, the oldest of whom are now reaching their late 20s, suicide is taking more lives than 10 years ago when millennials were the same age, according to a Stateline analysis of federal death statistics. Read the Source Article on Indiana Capital...
The Indiana Supreme Court publishes an annual report covering each fiscal year, beginning July 1 and ending June 30. Read the Source Article from the Indiana Judicial Branch Website
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — Fort Wayne’s youth gathered at the Foellinger Theater this Saturday [9-27-2025] to attend the Youth Violence Prevention Forum. Read the Source Article on Wane.com
Read the Source Article at Indiana Business Journal
Indiana lawmakers heard stark warnings Thursday that the state’s prison population is again nearing capacity while funding for local alternatives is shrinking. Read the Source Article on Indiana Capital Chronicle
For years, state lawmakers have taken the lead on regulating kratom — the controversial herbal supplement used for pain relief, anxiety and opioid withdrawal symptoms. Some states have banned it entirely. Others have passed laws requiring age limits, labeling and lab...
When President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month threatening to withhold federal funding from states and localities that have adopted “cashless bail” policies, he escalated a national fight over how courts decide who should remain behind bars before...
More than one out of every 10 prisoners in Indiana is above the age of 55, raising healthcare costs and creating potential security problems. That’s according to a new report about America’s aging prison population from the American Civil Liberties Union...
Not long ago, the Commonwealth of Virginia knew very little about the court outcomes of people accused of crime. That has begun to change. Today, the Pretrial Data Project provides state agencies with a wealth of information that helps local authorities make decisions...
Linda Parks worked in a variety of positions in the Judicial system, from being the first female probation officer to becoming the Chief Probation Officer, before retiring. Read Linda’s Obituary
The United States Probation Office for the Southern District of Indiana has been dedicated to the memory of U.S. Probation Officer Thomas E. Gahl, who was the first U.S. Probation Officer killed in the line of duty by a parolee. Tom was killed on September 22,...
HOWARD COUNTY, Ind. — A Howard County judge has been banned from judicial service in the state after an investigation into misconduct. Read the Source Article on WTHR
Indiana’s August revenues rolled in stronger than expected, giving state budget writers a little extra breathing room as we head into the fall. Read the Source Article at Indy Politics
POPAI 25 Year Member Awardees On Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) Fall Conference, individuals who have been POPAI Members for 25 or more Years were recognized with a certificate and a custom Yeti...
POPAI 10 Year Member Awardees On Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) Fall Conference, individuals who have been POPAI Members for exactly 10 Years were recognized with a certificate. This year’s...
Brooke Trice and Jon Kramer, Line Officers of the Year On Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) Fall Conference, Brooke Trice and Jon Kramer, both of Huntington County Probation, were awarded the 2025 Line...
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) Fall Conference, Mike Small, Assistant Chief Probation Officer with Grant County Court Services, was presented with the Founder’s Award. The “Founder’s Award” is a...
Due to popular demand, our articles (curated by Anthony Williams) are available either monthly or weekly. Subscribers may select either (or both) by using the link at the bottom of one of your bulk emails: Click the “update your preferences” link and...
Read the Source Article at The Times of Northwest Indiana
As teenager Oswin Ortiz Jr. lay shot outside his home in 2019, his father approached him and asked who had shot him. “All he could say was ‘Snapchat’ and pointed to his phone,” police wrote in a probable cause affidavit for the arrest of Joshua Grow. Read the Source...
Jennifer-Ruth Green has stepped down as Indiana’s Secretary of Public Safety, Gov. Mike Braun announced Saturday, marking the first major shakeup in his cabinet since taking office. Read the Source Article from Indiana Capital Chronicle
The Beyond Substance podcast, hosted by Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller, has released the season two finale featuring a panel discussion with leaders working across Indiana to combat the opioid epidemic. Listen to the Podcast
More police agencies, from big-city departments to federal agencies, are lowering education standards for new recruits — a sign of how much the profession is changing as it struggles to recruit and retain officers. Read the Source Article from Indiana Capital...
A Greenfield man faces felony gun and drug charges after officers from Indianapolis came for a probation check on relatives staying at the man’s house. Read the Source Article from Greenfield Reporter
President Trump signed two executive orders today (August 25, 2025) that escalate the war on “cashless bail.” Read the Source Article on RePath
A Stockton man was charged with attempted murder Friday, accused of setting a probation officer on fire and leaving the official with significant burns, authorities said. Read the Source Article on Los Angeles Times
Attorney General Todd Rokita announced Monday that Indiana is expected to receive another $16.5 million as part of a multi-state opioid settlement. Read the Source Article on Indiana Lawyer (free articles limited to 2 per month)
New information gathered over the past two years is providing Indiana officials with better insights into the use of electronic monitoring for those awaiting trial and others sentenced to house arrest. Read the Source Article on Indiana Lawyer (free articles limited...
Families are pleading with Indiana and federal agencies to intervene at the mental health hospital. Read the Source Article at Mirror Indy
Ultrapotent nitazenes, mostly from China, are easy to smuggle and mix into heroin, recreational drugs and gray-market pharmaceuticals Read the Source Article on WSJ.com
After nearly two decades and countless courthouse visits, one lawyer’s vision to document Indiana’s civic landmarks is now on full display. Read the Source Article on Indiana Capital Chronicle
A Scott County Probation check landed two Crothersville residents in jail for drugs late last month. Read the Source Article on Crothersville Times
Writing a new chapter: Indiana is building a custom e-filing system to meet the demands of a high-tech court system Steady Gains for Indiana’s Juvenile Courts: New Report Shows Timelier Permanency and Strong Collaborative Efforts 2025 Legislative Update Guardrails for...
POPAI extends our sincere condolences to Boone County Probation upon the death of long time PO Donna Koontz (retired in 2018). Read the Obituary
For years, state lawmakers have taken the lead on regulating kratom — the controversial herbal supplement used for pain relief, anxiety and opioid withdrawal symptoms. Some states have banned it entirely. Others have passed laws requiring age limits, labeling and lab...
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — When someone is hurt, you call for an ambulance. When someone is committing a crime, you call for police. But who do you call when someone struggles with addiction or is having a mental health crisis? New grants in Indiana look to answer that...
Four of the five Kosciusko County judges went before the County Council Tuesday to lay out their case for $10,000 stipends for each of the 11 probation officers for 2026, with the funds coming out of user fees. By a vote of 5-2, the council approved the stipends, with...
The Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) is excited to announce a new initiative to take our monthly board meetings on the road—and we need your help! Meeting Details: When: Second Wednesday of each month Time: 10:30 am to...
The state previously planned to close both the Westville and Michigan City facilities once a new prison building is operational. Read the Source Article in Indiana Capital Chronicle
Consider attending the Midwest Gang investigators Association Fall Conference on October 21 and 22, 2025. 0800-1700 EST South Bend Police Department. Learn more then register
POPAI joins with Bartholomew County Community Corrections in remembering Rob Gaskill: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Paul “Rob” Gaskill. Rob began his career with Bartholomew County in January 2008 at the...
As many as 40 employees of the Indiana Department of Child Services could lose their jobs under a reorganization eliminating three layers of management, which agency leaders said would improve communication and decision-making. Read the Source Article
Historically, Iowa’s Department of Corrections, and many probation agencies across the country, have relied on numerous probation conditions, or the set of rules, to provide structure and guidance for individuals under supervision. Yet, recent research shows many...
A decade after Indiana overhauled its criminal code to reduce incarceration, lawmakers approved more than a dozen new crimes and sentencing enhancements. Read the Source Article
Locked in a prison cell during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tone Alcantara made an unlikely discovery about himself: He was a nerd. It wasn’t a label his former teachers at Rosemont High School would’ve used. One vice principal, he recalled, practically...
The wedding reception of Corey Parker and Bethany Lowe ended in a drunken brawl with a guest wounded from a gunshot outside Cornerstone Hall, advertised as “the perfect destination for a close-to-home and close-to-friends event” in Salem, Indiana, population 6,547....
You’ve had headaches on and off, or possibly nausea, or muscle pain. It could be emotions, rather than a physical illness, driving your symptoms. Blame your autonomic nervous system. This is a system in your body that you don’t consciously control, but...
In this free, hour-long webinar, attendees will briefly learn about bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs with specializations. Attendees will then enter breakout sessions for their field – law enforcement, corrections, or community corrections – where a group of...
Henry County is among seven Indiana counties that were selected to participate in a pilot program relating to juvenile mental health screenings. The e-Connect program was created in Livingston County, New York in collaboration with Columbia University. Read the Source...
On Monday night, city-county councilors introduced a draft ordinance that would extend curfew hours for children under 18. Anyone under age 15 could not be in a public place anytime after 9 p.m., a change from the current 11 p.m. Children ages 15 to 17 could be in...
Ahead of a major courthouse expansion project, Hamilton County has added two magistrates with two Superior Court judges coming next year to ease judge workloads and speed up the legal process for people in both the criminal and civil systems. Read the Source...
The Josiah White’s community grieves the unexpected loss of one of their own. For 33 years, Greg Shultz faithfully served our students, staff, their families, and his community with unwavering dedication and heart. He was currently a Family Teacher and served...
A new Indiana law to address chronic absenteeism in K-12 schools is now in effect, but Hoosier education officials — and at least one state senator — say online misinformation has mischaracterized what the policy actually does. Read the Source Article
A trio of Indiana’s budget leaders emphasized their confidence in the state’s finances at the end of the 2025 fiscal year during a Tuesday press conference — with $2.5 billion in the bank. But three Indianapolis Democrats painted a far darker picture for the average...
Read the Source Article
The Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) proudly honors the memory of Donald “Charley” Knepple through the Donald “Charley” Knepple Memorial Scholarship. Charley was a dedicated probation officer who tragically lost...
Catch up on POPAI News from every committee. Download POPAI Summer 2025 Newsletter
HAMILTON COUNTY — Hamilton County health officials are issuing a critical warning following a surge in overdoses linked to a dangerous street drug known as “KD.” Officials say this substance is being laced with heavy-duty bug sprays, causing severe and...
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — “When I was addicted, my days were powered by where I was going to get my next fix or drink or whatever.” That’s how Chastity Shetley described being an addict, her reality for several years. Now, being an addict is part of her story, not who...
Johnson County’s crisis intervention team is now certified after a two-year delay. Crisis Intervention Team, or CIT, is a partnership between law enforcement and mental health professionals to help people with mental disorders and/or addictions access the treatment...
For people involved in non-violent criminal cases, supervision not only presents a second chance at a productive life but saves taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars compared to the costs associated with incarceration, according to figures compiled by the...
WARSAW — Hopes by the probation department to give its overloaded officers a competitive wage for 2025 were dashed Thursday night by the Kosciusko County Council after receiving advice from the county’s financial consultant. The probation department, along with...
Indiana will receive as much as $100 million as part of a $7.4 billion settlement that all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories have reached with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced Monday. Rokita...
The Judicial Conference Board of Directors approved the changes to the Standard Juvenile Reports and the IYAS Policy, effective July 1, 2025, to comply with the requirements of HEA 1359-2022, recommendations from the YJOC, and requests from probation staff. Alongside...
More than 1,000 people lined up outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse to connect with community groups. INDIANAPOLIS –The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office plans to file up to 600 expungement petitions after hundreds turned out Tuesday for a Second Chance Workshop at...
Hoosiers might have started to notice gummy products labeled “Delta 8” or even “THC” in their corner stores or vape shops over the last few years. In the state legislature, lawmakers have been tinkering for years with bills to try to regulate...
NILES TOWNSHIP (WSBT) — Niles Township will be “greener” after the township approved 21 marijuana dispensary licenses at Monday night’s board meeting. The topic was called out by many residents concerned over the number of shops within the township....
Impoverished people facing criminal charges have the right to public defense. But counties have struggled to foot the bill themselves for lower-level cases. Beginning next month — and for the first time in nearly 30 years — nine Indiana counties will enjoy partial...
Montgomery County, Indiana — Probation Officer Brenda Payne and Probation Officer Lindsey Villalpando of the Montgomery County Probation Department have been honored with the 2025 United States Attorney Award for Project Safe Childhood Shield of Innocence, in...
In Indiana, a quiet revolution is taking place—one that has the power to reshape how we hire, how we lead, and how we serve our communities. Through a bold partnership with the Probation Officers Association of Indiana (POPAI), we’ve embarked on a journey to bring...
Leadership training is a crucial component in the development of effective probation programs in Indiana. While the Indiana Judicial Branch, through the Office of Court Services, offers general training programs for probation officers, specialized leadership training...
The Indiana Office of Court Services (IOCS) has published the 2026 Minimum Salary Schedule for Probation Officers. Download the 2026 Minimum Salary Schedule for Probation Officers
County health officials are prioritizing suicide prevention after recent state data reported Brown County had the highest suicide rate in the state for the years 2018-2022. “It’s a very hard and very difficult subject,” Melissa Stinson-Wadell, administrator of the...
April is National Reentry Month — a time to reflect on what it truly takes for someone to come home, rebuild their life, and thrive. Much attention has been given to immediate needs like employment and housing. But even beyond these basic services, the road to...
A survey of administrators at U.S. jails shows that only about one-third of facilities use information from behavioral health screening and assessment tools to divert people from jail. Most facilities do conduct screenings and assessments, but few use them for...
Securing stable, affordable housing is fundamental to successful reentry. To help policymakers build sustainable pathways to housing, The Council of State Governments Justice Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs’...
Behavioral health crisis care consists of a range of interventions for people at risk for acute behavioral health issues, experiencing crisis, and engaged in recovery. Federal guidelines for behavioral health crisis care provide specific guidance on core elements of...
Every May, Mental Health America leads the state and nation in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May throughout the United States since 1949. The month is often observed with media, local events,...
INDIANAPOLIS – A program designed to divert juveniles from the criminal justice system is expanding in Indianapolis, giving more teens facing low-level, non-violent charges an opportunity to avoid jail and instead get help turning their lives around. The Indianapolis...
In this episode of Beyond Substance, hosts Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller explore the critical intersection of research, personal experience, and community support in addressing substance use and recovery. They engage with experts Dr. Brad Ray and Dr. Katrina...
With May being mental health awareness month, Indy Politics talks with Steve McCaffery of Mental Health America Indiana about mental health, how it impacts Hoosiers, and what was done this past session at the Indiana General Assembly to address the issue. The...
KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — About 2% of Kosciusko County is on probation, and each of the county probation officers have over 100 people on their caseload. Thursday, May 8, the Kosciusko County Probation Department sought approval from the Kosciusko County Council for an...
To ensure consistency in sponsor engagement, the POPAI Board has developed a new Corporate Sponsor Policy. This document expands on our bylaws by clearly outlining expectations for corporate sponsors participating in our events. The policy addresses five key areas:...
The POPAI Legislation page has a new look. POPAI retains the services of LegisGroup Public Affairs to help us stay closely connected to legislative activities affecting probation in Indiana. Funding for this important work comes from membership dues and conference...
Congratulations to Greg Werich, Wells County Chief Probation Officer as this year’s recipient of the Order of Augustus at the Indiana Justice Services Conference. The Order of Augustus is an honorary award presented annually by the Probation Officers Advisory Board of...
Probation Officer Donald Knepple was shot and killed after being ambushed by a man at a counseling center on South Calhoun Street in Fort Wayne. The suspect, a former juvenile corrections officer who had been convicted of attempted child molestation, had arranged a...
As every state surrounding Idaho legalized marijuana, state Rep. Bruce Skaug started to view it as inevitable that the Gem State would follow suit. Not anymore. Skaug, a Republican, supported two bills this legislative session taking aim at marijuana use: one to...
Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed an executive order focused on employing inmates after release. Read the Source Article
As the former sheriff of Knox County, the executive director of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association, and a law enforcement professional with more than 20 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to protecting Hoosier families. I’m increasingly concerned about...
Firearm-related deaths among children and teenagers in the United States have risen sharply in recent years, increasing by 50% since 2019. In 2023, firearms remained the leading cause of death among American youth for the third year in a row, followed by motor vehicle...
Indy Politics speaks with Tippecanoe County Sheriff Robert Goldsmith who says the state needs to invest more in mental health treatment and relieve the pressure on the current system. Read (and listen to) the Source Article
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — To commemorate Black Balloon Day, an Indianapolis nonprofit is launching an online resource for drug education and harm prevention. Black Balloon Day is a national campaign to remember people who’ve died from a drug overdose. It started in 2016...
Hoosier teens are nearly 3% more likely to have used cocaine, methamphetamines or heroin than other teens nationwide, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, and the types of drugs they choose are producing deadly side effects. Indianapolis-based...
Every year POPAI provides a scholarship in memory of probation officer Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation officer duties in Allen County, Indiana. In an effort to honor an outstanding...
Thank you to POPAI Members who submitted applications for the Donald “Charley” Knepple Scholarship. A winner has been selected by the Awards Committee and will be notified directly. The winner will be announced in the opening session of the Justice Services Conference...
February 26, 2025 — If you’re searching for greatness and untapped potential from your staff, take time to understand their “why.” Knowing that “why” helps you align opportunities and create connections for staff in places where...
Human trafficking affects people in our state and right here in our own community. Advocates say it’s a problem that isn’t talked about enough. Not because people don’t care, but because people don’t know it’s happening here. Read the...
Mental health inequities may not only harm individuals but also hinder economic prosperity.1 To gain a broader understanding of the costs associated with mental health inequities in the United States, the Deloitte Health Equity Institute and the School of Global...
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Today the U.S. Sentencing Commission released a new study of Overdoses in Federal Drug Trafficking Crimes covering a five-year period from fiscal year 2019 to 2023. Key takeaways from the Commission’s report: Prevalence and Outcomes Overdoses were...
In less than a year, Max Meckes has opened five sober living homes and a headquarters in Bloomington. Taxpayer money and donations from non-profits have helped sustain the operation, called Malibu House. Malibu House’s Facebook page describes obtaining food, beds,...
Improvements are on the way for Indiana’s Adult Protective Services — the initiative protecting abused, exploited and neglected adults — after a 12-0 committee vote Monday morning. Sen. Mike Crider, R-Greenfield, told committee members that the “clean-up” bill removes...
Although Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has been in office for just two weeks, he’s already touting “wins” for Hoosiers accomplished under his tenure — and has big plans for the ongoing legislative session. Read the Source Article
On January 29, 2025, Hon. Loretta Rush, Chief Justice of Indiana, addressed the Governor and a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly for her eleventh annual State of the Judiciary address. Read the speech below. Read the Source Article
Delivering her 11th State of the Judiciary speech to the Indiana legislature Wednesday, Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush highlighted programs, people and legislation that the courts have used to innovate the judicial system in the state. Read the...
The Court Alcohol and Drug Program Advisory Committee recommends amendments to the Rules for Court-Administered Alcohol and Drug Programs to clarify or simplify the certification expectations in several rules. Submit comments by Monday, March 3 at 12:00 p.m....
Applications are open for 2026 pretrial services grants and problem-solving court grants. See more information about eCivis, the grant management system being used. Applications are due by Saturday, April 12 at 6:00 p.m. (Eastern). Contactiocsgrants@courts.in.gov with...
Marijuana, and the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels that make someone feel high, is legal for recreational purposes in three of Indiana’s four neighboring states. But figuring out when someone is too high to drive has proven to be a difficult task. Read the Source...
The Indiana Department of Correction has run out of money to pay county jails for holding low-level felons and state prisoners. County jails haven’t received payments in months, and there are still four months left in the July-to-June fiscal year. Read the Source...
POPAI is tracking key bills from the 2025 Legislative Session that impact Probation and Community Corrections Professionals. Updates, curated by the POPAI Board, are posted regularly on this page.
The Utah Criminal Justice Center (UCJC), in collaboration with the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) and NAPE, conducted interviews with community corrections executives across the nation to determine how fees drive agency budgets. The project highlights the...
The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) has partnered with Rulo Strategies to create a Community Corrections Workplace Wellness Assessment. Agencies interested in participating in the assessment can submit a request for technical assistance and receive support at...
Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced James K. Snyder and Tara Y. Melton have been appointed to the Marion County Superior Courts. Read the Source Article
Fractured ribs, head injuries, accidental drownings and gunshot wounds. This is a glimpse at how 56 children died from abuse and neglect in 2023. Read the Source Article
State data known as Weighted Caseload Measures compiled by the state’s Office of Judicial Administration indicates Allen County needs six more judges, practically across the board. Read the Source Article
In one weekend, a homeowner’s sense of security is shattered by a burglary. A child finds the courage to come forward about sexual abuse. A family loses a loved one in a drunk-driving crash. These heartbreaking events are a reality in communities across Indiana, and...
Any POPAI Member may attend a POPAI Board Meeting. This is the 2025 schedule: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 Wednesday, February 12, 2025 Thursday, March 13, 2025 Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Wednesday, July 9, 2025...
Most local governments haven’t started spending their opioid settlement dollars, according to a state report presented on Thursday. Read the Source Article
The Marion County Judicial Selection Committee met on Monday, October 28, 2024, andTuesday, October 29, 2024, and selected six nominees for two vacancies on the MarionSuperior Court due to the retirements of two judges. Read the Source Article
The Beyond Substance podcast deepens the understanding of its listeners about substance use in Marion County, specifically the problems and solutions to address these issues and to highlight that there is hope and share what can be done to foster and support recovery...
After a unanimous vote in favor of the Guardian ad Litem Guidelines by the Judicial Conference Board of Directors on September 18, the Supreme Court adopted the GAL Guidelines for Civil Family Law Cases effective January 1, 2025. The guidelines are designed to bring...
A few weeks ago, Indiana voters cast ballots that included at least a few — and in Marion County, several pages of — judicial candidates. Judicial races are usually unopposed and uneventful, but this year was a little different. I offer five takeaways. Read the Source...
Preparing to return home from prison presents many challenges for women.CEPP’s National Resource Center on Justice-Involved Women created a comprehensive resource guide to help women addressthe significant barriers to successful reintegration across key reentry...
A juvenile problem-solving court cannot order jail time or house arrest for the parent of a juvenile delinquent without providing written notice of the allegations or the assistance of counsel. Read the Source Article
Certified peer support professionals play an important role in Indiana’s substance use recovery infrastructure. Indiana is covering the training and certification costs for these professionals in an effort to build the peer support workforce. Read the Source...
All federal courts have put in place an effective dispute resolution plan giving employees multiple pathways to report and address workplace concerns, and an increasing number of them are opting to use the new processes, according to the first Annual Report on the...
Impaired driving is one of the most serious threats to public safety in the United States, and the problem of polysubstance use and increased drug-impaired driving is a growing concern we must address. December is Impaired Driving Prevention Month and a crucial...
The Treatment Court Institute’s Practitioner Training is designed exclusively for treatment court team members that serve as court coordinators. This four day in-person training offers an in-depth education on your role in treatment courts facilitated by...
Gov.-elect Mike Braun announced on Monday that he will appoint Jennifer-Ruth Green as Indiana’s Secretary of Public Safety. Green, a combat veteran and current Deputy Commander of the 11th Operations Group at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, brings military and cyber...
After 30 years of research and progress in the field, community supervision agencies are well-versed in evidence-based practices (EBP). What is often overlooked or more difficult to do, however, is ensuring the fidelity of those practices—not just using them, but...
M.S. appeals his adjudication as a delinquent child for dangerous possession of a firearm, a Class A misdemeanor. Specifically, M.S. claims that the adjudication must be set aside because the State failed to prove an alleged element of the offense, i.e., that he was...
The CSG Justice Center and the U.S Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance are accepting applications from supervision agencies to participate in the Smart Supervision Resident Analyst (SSRA) program, which will embed an...
Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the new Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center Caring Recovery Opioid Treatment Program today. The new facility, located in the Twin Aire neighborhood, offers expanded space and...
POPAI will be transitioning from a weekly to a monthly email digest starting this month. We’ll still be sharing articles and news added to the website, but deliver it to you on the last day of each month instead of weekly and the subject line will change to...
FORT WAYNE — According to Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the COVID-19 pandemic brought some good along with the bad when it came to increasing public understanding of the importance of mental health. “I thought, we’ve got to continue this conversation. We’ve got to continue...
Conflict Resolution: How to Interrupt Cycles of Community Violence During this video, hear from Terrance Staley as he speaks about community violence intervention, and specifically, how the Alliance of Concerned Men in Washington, D.C., is working to prevent and...
The National Judicial Task Force examined State Courts’ response to mental illness and published a report and recommendations with over 100 resources. Here are a few: Deflection for Veterans at Veterans Sequential Intercept Model Intercepts 0 and 1 The Perils of...
Our understanding of recovery, particularly from substance use and mental health disorders, is continuously evolving as research offers new insights into the risks and protective factors that impact the recovery process. This volume of the Journal for Advancing...
The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) collaborated with the National Association of Probation Executives (NAPE) and the Utah Criminal Justice Center (UCJC) to understand the impact community supervision fees have on agencies across the country. Many community...
The National Institute of Corrections has developed a microsite that offers information and resources to support veterans in the criminal justice system. Visit the site
Since 2016, the Massachusetts Probation Service has worked to increase diversity within its ranks. Pamerson Ifill, who was recently promoted to become the first Black commissioner of probation, leads these efforts. Diversity within the agency has steadily grown under...
Indiana prison staffers, the condemned man’s friends and family members, and the victims’ family members may witness the state’s first execution since 2009. It’s likely that no independent witnesses will be included. Joseph Corcoran, who killed four people in...
Our new membership year begins in January. Departments can request invoices now or receive them in January for those who typically pay together. Membership Options: Probation Officer Membership – $30Available to certified Probation Officers currently employed in...
The Indiana Rules of Court have been published on the courts.in.gov website for more than twenty years in the same format, with the same method of storing and publishing this important content. In May, the Office of Judicial Administration launched a new...
As the community supervision field continues to evolve, focus has turned away from managing failure toward promoting success. In doing so, it is important to consider the language that practitioners use in daily operations so that written and verbal communications are...
Last week’s edition of the IBJ Podcast featured Chris Gahl, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Visit Indy, unpacking the strategy for promoting Indianapolis to a worldwide audience during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. As promised, we have a follow-up...
Curating all of APPR’s pretrial justice video content in one place makes sharing with system stakeholders, policymakers, and community members easier. Subscribe to the channel to receive alerts when more videos are released over the next few months. View the...
More than 25 million Americans have lost Medicaid coverage since the expiration of federal COVID-19 pandemic protections. For those in opioid addiction treatment, a loss of coverage can be deadly. CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — It was hard enough for Stephanie to get methadone...
The POPAI Membership Year is January through December. Many departments prefer to pay in January or during conference attendance next year, but some want to use 2024 funds now. I’m reaching out to department Administrators, Chiefs, and Directors that typically request...
The CSRC Community is an online forum for and open only to those who work for a community supervision (pretrial, probation, or parole/post-release) agency or organization. You must register to participate in the Community. The CSRC Community is not open to reporters...
For the past several years, the POPAI Executive Board has been advocating for increases to the Minimum Salary Schedule for Probation Officers. You can read the most recent version of our proposal here. Many of you know, our proposal gained favor with a...
In recent years, many cities, towns, and counties across the country have experienced substantial increases in community gun violence. While some localities have made progress in reducing violence, pressing concerns remain for residents, community and business...
Anthony Williams has been successfully coordinating our conferences for the past 4 years. He recently promoted to Deputy Chief Probation Officer in the Monroe Circuit Court Probation Department and decided to run for POPAI Board Secretary, which he won. Shannon...
Deborah Kesler Deborah Kessler, 2024 Founder’s Award Winner On Thursday, September 5, 2024 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Deborah Kesler, Juvenile Chief Probation Officer from Vigo County was presented the...
On Thursday, September 5, 2024 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Cherie Epley, Chief Probation Officer of Vanderburgh County Adult Probation, was awarded the “Founder’s Award”. The “Founder’s Award” is a way...
On Thursday, September 5, 2024 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Michelle Murfin, of the Hamilton County Department of Probation Services, was awarded the “Rookie Probation Officer of the Year Award”. This...
On Thursday, September 5, 2024 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Stephanie Eddy, of the Wells County Probation Department, was presented the “Line Probation Officer of the Year Award.” The Line Probation...
Indiana Probation Officer Hannah Cochran (Dossett), a dedicated local resident of Crawfordsville, Indiana, was recently elected to the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) Board of Directors as the Region 2 Representative. She was sworn in at the closing...
Chief Probation Officer Kevin Elkins of Lake County Juvenile Probation received the 2024 Order of Augustus award from Chief Justice Loretta Rush. The Order of Augustus is an annual award presented by the Indiana Probation Officers Advisory Board to an Indiana...
Download the 2025 Minimum Salary Schedule
POPAI Vice President Lindsey Villalpando presents Brenda Matute with a plaque to commemorate her as POPAI’s 2024 Knepple Scholarship Winner. Vice President Lindsey Villalpando presented Brenda Matute from LaPorte County with a plaque acknowledging her winning...
The POPAI Logo has a rich history and meaning. The image we’ve been using was based on these principles: Words Around the Outside: A Probation Officer keeps the balance of needs of the community and needs of the individual in mind Key: Freedom Torch:...
We are nearing the halfway point of this year’s legislative session. Read about all the bills POPAI is following on our page of Legislative Updates.
On Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Vicki Cale, of the Wells County Probation Department, was presented the “Line Probation Officer of the Year Award.” The Line Probation Officer...
On Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Abigail O’ Brien, of Putnam County Probation, was awarded the “Rookie Probation Officer of the Year Award”. The Rookie Probation Officer of...
The Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) Executive Board has concerns the minimum salary schedule for probation officers has not changed since adopted in its current form on September 10, 2002 and implemented January 1, 2004. Though some...
Thank you to all the individuals who expressed interest in serving on the POPAI Board. Our newest members are: Stephanie Cole, Howard County: District 3 Representative Angela Morris, Johnson County: District 5 Representative Lindsey Villalpando, Andria Geigle, Bob...
Since 1989, the National Association of Probation Executives (NAPE) and the George J. Beto Criminal Justice Center at Sam Houston State University have recognized the Probation Executive of the Year by presenting the recipient the Sam Houston State University Award....
Troy Hatfield, Deputy Chief Probation Officer for the Monroe Circuit Court, received the 2023 Order of Augustus probation award at the annual statewide Justice Services conference in Indianapolis. The Order of Augustus is an annual award presented by the Indiana...
The 2024 Probation Officer Salary Schedule reflects an increase of 7.8% We have Salary Schedule History in two parts: 2004 – Present History through 2004
The 2023 Donald “Charley” Knepple Scholarship winner is Sandra Bryan, Deputy Chief Probation Officer for Marion County Superior Court. Sandra has a been a probation officer for 27 years and a member of POPAI for most of those years. She is a current member...
Susan Bentley, Chief Probation Officer for the Hendricks County Probation Department, recently graduated from the American Probation and Parole Association’s Leadership Institute during the 2023 APPA Regional Institute in Los Angeles, California. Susan was a member of...
Lake County Juvenile Probation Department, Indiana End of Watch Sunday, March 21, 1926 Chief Probation Officer Lucile Myers was shot and killed while investigating a child welfare case at a home at 417 17th Street, near the intersection of Calumet Avenue and 17th...
It’s with a heavy heart that we report the unexpected death of Laurence Smith. From Facebook: From Dignity Memorial: Laurence was born to Robert and Mabel Smith on April 7, 1961. He graduated from Connersville High School in 1979, where he received Athlete of...
… Muncie−Delaware County Chamber of Commerce also honored several people and organizations active in the community’s economy during its 128th annual meeting Thursday night. The Excellence in Public Service Award was presented to John Bush, Delaware County...
On September 8, 2022 the POPAI Membership approved the new bylaws. Summary of the major changes: Prohibits an active Executive Board member from contracting with the Association. Creates two new At-Large Board Members, which will expand the voting members of the POPAI...
On Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, John Bush, of the Delaware County Probation Department, was presented the “Line Probation Officer of the Year Award.” This award was...
On Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Tabitha Davis of Hancock County Probation, was awarded the “Rookie Probation Officer of the Year Award”. This award was established in 2014 to...
On Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Madonna Wagoner of the Hamilton County Probation Department was awarded the “Founder’s Award”. The “Founder’s Award” is a way of recognizing...
Congratulations to our winners for free registration and two nights hotel during our Fall Conference in French Lick on September 7-9, 2022! Libby Mudd – Johnson County Devon Burris – Madison County Yvonne Haub – Floyd County Community Corrections Amy...
Greetings POPAI Membership: According to the POPAI Bylaws, Article XII AMENDMENTS These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed by the membership if a quorum is present at any regular or special meeting. Written notice of any proposed alteration to the bylaws...
The Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) Executive Board has concerns the minimum salary schedule for probation officers has not changed since adopted in its current form on September 10, 2002. Though slight cost of living adjustments have...
POPAI Membership is open to individuals involved in Community Corrections in Indiana. Often, people think the Associate Level is exclusively for Probation Department administrative staff or students – but there’s more. Probation Officer Membership – ($25...
Every year POPAI provides a scholarship in memory of probation officer Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation officer duties in Allen County, Indiana. In an effort to honor an outstanding...
The 2023 Probation Officer Salary Schedule reflects an increase of 3.33%
Probation Officer Donald Knepple was shot and killed on April 28, 1997 after being ambushed by a man at a counseling center on South Calhoun Street in Fort Wayne. The suspect, a former juvenile corrections officer who had been convicted of attempted child molestation,...
Catherine Mosley Custer – April 14, 2022 Catherine’s life in her own words Backpacker – Vacation Lover Co-raiser of the highest quality, kind, fun and remarkable human beings. Two gifts to all of us, she left behind Chase Custer and Cora Custer. I love you so much and...
The Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) Executive Board has concerns the minimum salary schedule for probation officers has not changed since adopted in its current form on September 10, 2002. Though slight cost of living adjustments have...
Lake County Juvenile Probation Department, Indiana End of Watch Sunday, March 21, 1926 Chief Probation Officer Lucile Myers was shot and killed while investigating a child welfare case at a home at 417 17th Street, near the intersection of Calumet Avenue and 17th...
LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Just after lunch on Dec. 22, Joe Hooker walked into the Circuit Court at the Tippecanoe County Court and was greeted by friends and his former colleagues. Hooker wasn’t sure why everybody had gathered. Perhaps they were there to convince him to...
On Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Valerie Runyon, of Wells County Probation, was awarded the “Rookie Probation Officer of the Year Award”. This award was established in 2014 to...
On Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Susan Allen of the Monroe Circuit Court Probation Department was awarded the “Founder’s Award”. The “Founder’s Award” is a way of recognizing...
On Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Allen Waller, a probation officer with Vanderburgh Juvenile Probation, was presented the “Line Probation Officer of the Year Award.” This award...
The main 2021 legislative session concluded near the end of April. However, the House and Senate will reconvene later in the year to deal with redistricting after they receive the necessary information from the 2020 federal census. POPAI worked hard to advocate for...
On Wednesday, June 9th the POPAI Executive Board met for a regularly scheduled meeting and selected a new District 3 Representative. The Board is pleased to announce that Megan Eakright, Problem Solving Court Coordinator for Wabash County, will serve as the...
The main 2021 legislative session concluded near the end of April. However, the House and Senate will reconvene later in the year to deal with redistricting after they receive the necessary information from the 2020 federal census. POPAI worked hard to advocate for...
As established by Judicial Conference of Indiana per I.C. 11-13-1-8, the 2022 Minimum Salary Schedule for Probation Officers has been posted on the Indiana Office of Court Services website. Contact Angie Hensley-Langrel with questions.
Every year POPAI provides a scholarship in memory of probation officer Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation officer duties in Allen County, Indiana. In an effort to honor an outstanding...
Probation Officer Donald Knepple was shot and killed on April 28, 1997 after being ambushed by a man at a counseling center on South Calhoun Street in Fort Wayne. The suspect, a former juvenile corrections officer who had been convicted of attempted child molestation,...
After 43 years as a distinguished Tippecanoe probation officer, Joe Hooker will retire later this month. Hooker, who began his career as a probation officer on Jan. 3, 1978, will retire March 31. Among his accomplishments, Hooker worked with David Kuebler in 1988 to...
The Rookie Probation Officer of the Year award was established in 2014 to recognize probation officers who, while at the beginning of their career, have shown the attitude, aptitude, and desire to improve themselves and to develop into leaders among their peers. Judge...
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! POPAI will hold its annual business meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. EDT. All members are encouraged to log on to the meeting to learn about the status of the Association and vote on proposed bylaw changes posted...
Every year POPAI provides a scholarship in memory of probation officer Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation officer duties in Allen County, Indiana. In an effort to honor an outstanding...
2021 Minimum Salary Schedule for Probation Officers
POPAI and IACCAC leadership made a joint presentation at the Interim Study Committee on Corrections and Criminal Code on September 18, 2019. The topic was concerning trends in community supervision. We were able to show the increase in community corrections...
On Friday, September 6, 2019 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Troy Hatfield, Deputy Chief Probation Officer of the Monroe Circuit Court Probation Department and vice president of POPAI, was awarded the...
On Thursday, September 5, 2019 at the Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) annual fall conference, Lindsay Long, a probation officer with Miami County Probation, was presented the Line Probation Officer of the Year Award. The Line Probation...
POPAI provides a scholarship in memory of probation officer Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation officer duties in Allen County, Indiana. In an effort to honor an outstanding professional and to...
POPAI’s own Susan Rice takes the Oath of Office as the newly elected Vice President of the American Probation and Parole Association in San Francisco. Election Results The American Probation and Parole Association is pleased to announce the election of new...
UPDATE: The Indiana Supreme Court denied transfer of the case on July 25, 2019. The Indiana Court of Appeals opinion (in our favor) was certified on July 29, 2019. Read the Court of Appeals opinion here. On January 22, 2019, POPAI authorized the filing...
POPAI’s own Susan Rice has been elected Vice President of the American Probation and Parole Association. The good news was announced in an email: Election Results The American Probation and Parole Association is pleased to announce the election of new officers...
As established by Judicial Conference of Indiana per I.C. 11-13-1-8, the 2020 schedule has been posted. See more information or contact Jenny Bauer with questions.
Probation Officer Donald Knepple was shot and killed after being ambushed by a man at a counseling center on South Calhoun Street in Fort Wayne. The suspect, a former juvenile corrections officer who had been convicted of attempted child molestation, had arranged a...
UPDATE: The Indiana Court of Appeals issued an opinion on March 19, 2019 affirming the trial court. Read the opinion here. On January 22, 2019, POPAI authorized the filing of an Amicus Curiae brief drafted by counsel hired by the Association in the...
The Founder’s Award is a way of recognizing individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of probation in general and specifically to the POPAI organization. The recipient need not be a Probation Officer or POPAI member. The selected person...
New immunities Community corrections officers and probation officers who administer an overdose intervention drug. S.E.A. 13, P.L. 4. A guardian ad litem program and court appointed special advocate program when a child is placed on a waiting list for guardian ad...
Greetings POPAI Membership: According to the POPAI Bylaws, Article XIV AMENDMENTS These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed by the membership if a quorum is present at any regular or special meeting. Written notice of any proposed alteration to the bylaws shall...
POPAI provides a scholarship every year in memory of Probation Officer Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation officer duties in Allen County, Indiana. In an effort to honor an outstanding...
The 2019 Minimum Salary Schedule for Probation Officers is posted to the Indiana Office of Court Service’s website in the probation section (under Salary Materials). https://www.in.gov/judiciary/probation/2343.htm 2019 PO Salary Schedule
Probation Officer Donald Knepple was shot and killed after being ambushed by a man at a counseling center on South Calhoun Street in Fort Wayne. The suspect, a former juvenile corrections officer who had been convicted of attempted child molestation, had arranged a...
Civil Administration of overdose intervention drugs (S.E.A. 13, P.L. 4) Civil forfeiture (S.E.A. 99, P.L. 47) Scleral tattooing (S.E.A. 158, P.L. 50) Uniform business organizations (S.E.A. 180, P.L. 52) Emotional support animals (S.E.A. 240, P.L. 162) Order to repair...
Agenda October 24, 2017 Consideration of Final Committee Report and any Committee Requested Legislation Proposals. Testimony of Brad Ray Ph.D. IUPUI Concerning Program Evaluation of Recovery Works Other Business Adjournment LINK to Exhibits Access to Recovery and...
Agenda 10-11-2017 Call to Order Old Business Availability and Certification of Treatment Providers and Treatment Facilities Extending Support Services to Misdemeanants Serious Mental Illness and the Death Penalty Requiring Bills Creating Crimes And Increasing...
Hurricane Harvey made landfall along the Texas Coast on August 25, 2017. The POPAI Board collected $1000 from attendees at the Fall Conference in September, then matched the funds. POPAI President Adam McQueen reached out to the Texas Probation Association to locate a...
Linda Brady reported that she has been appointed to serve as a lay member of the Interim Study Committee on Corrections and Criminal Code. Senator Mike Young is the Chair, and Representative Tom Washburne is the Vice Chair. Find more information including dates for...
The “Founder’s Award” is a way of recognizing individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of probation in general and specifically to the POPAI organization. The recipient need not be a Probation Officer or POPAI member. The selected person however,...
The “Rookie” Probation Officer of the Year Award was established to recognize probation officers who, while at the beginning of their career, show the attitude, aptitude, and the desire to improve themselves and to develop into leaders among their peers. Nominees...
The Line Probation Officer of the Year Award was established to recognize line probation officers who have performed their duties in an outstanding manner and/or made significant contributions to the field of probation at the local, regional or national level. The...
This is the final installment of the Legislative Update for the 2017 legislative session. This installment contains summaries of select bills of interest that were signed into law in the 2017 legislative session.
Each year, POPAI provides a scholarship in memory of probation officer Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation officer duties in Allen County, Indiana. In an effort to honor an outstanding professional...
The 2018 Minimum Salary Schedule for Probation Officers is posted to the Indiana Office of Court Service’s website in the probation section (under Salary Materials). http://www.in.gov/judiciary/probation/2343.htm The 2018 schedule reflects a 2.1% increase....
Probation Officer Donald Knepple was shot and killed after being ambushed by a man at a counseling center on South Calhoun Street in Fort Wayne. The suspect, a former juvenile corrections officer who had been convicted of attempted child molestation, had arranged a...
We’ve posted a new Legislative Update in the Members Only Area, User Login Required.
The 2017 Indiana General Assembly is slowly starting. The 2017 session is a “long” budget session. The Senate and House will resume their normal 4 days per week schedule on Monday January 9th, starting with a quick meeting then moving on to Governor Eric...
New Sentencing Tools available Plug in the current sentencing information, apply pretrial credit time, and calculate the remaining sentence along with a sentence end date. Access the new tools
Indiana Judicial Service Report Over 1.3 million new cases were filed in Indiana trial courts in 2015. Details on court operations at the county and appellate level for 2015 are available in the Indiana Judicial Service Report and the Indiana Probation Report which...
A sharp increase in the number of case filings involving children in need of services comes as the number of juvenile delinquencies across Indiana is decreasing, which Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush attributes to the state court system’s focus on...
IU researcher awarded funding to evaluate criminal justice program: IU Bloomington Newsroom: Indiana University Bloomington BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The U.S. Justice Department has awarded Indiana University criminal justice faculty member Natalie Hipple a...
2016 ANNUAL REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Legislation establishing the Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council (JRAC) went into effect on July 1, 2015. The 9-member Advisory Council consists of leadership from both the executive and judicial branches of state and local...
Dear POPAI Members: I attended the State Evidence Based Decision Making (EBDM) Policy Team meeting on October 19, 2016. It was our last official EBDM meeting with National Institute of Corrections (NIC) consultant Mimi Carter for Phase V. Indiana has been approved...
Corissa Strader MICHIGAN CITY — In addition to the already-announced award to Detective Marty Corley as Officer of the Year, the Indiana Criminal Justice Association gave two surprise awards to people from La Porte County on Wednesday. The association gave these and...
WHITLEY COUNTY — Ed Beber is not your average probation officer. After serving eight years with the Whitley County Probation Office, Beber was named the top probation officer in the state at last week’s conference of the Probation Officers Professional Association of...
The Line Probation Officer of the Year Award was established to recognize line probation officers who have performed their duties in an outstanding manner and/or made significant contributions to the field of probation at the local, regional or national level. The...
The “Founder’s Award” is a way of recognizing individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of probation in general and specifically to the POPAI organization. The recipient need not be a Probation Officer or POPAI member. The selected person however,...
Indiana’s Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council (JRAC) website goes live with agendas, grant information, and more. Indiana Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council website
Dear POPAI Members: The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) has been assisting justice system professionals to implement evidence-based programs for many years. In 2008, NIC developed the Evidence-Based Decision Making framework to describe a process and method...
POPAI Members: POPAI is a voting member of the statutorily created Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council (JRAC). I serve as our representative on JRAC. JRAC met on June 20, 2016. All of the meeting materials and Minutes have been posted in POPAI’s Members Only...
It has come to the attention of the Judicial Center that there is a typographical error on the 2017 Minimum Salary Schedule for Probation Officers. The salary amount for 10-14 years of experience was originally listed as $50,355, but the correct amount is...
Dear POPAI Members, The proposed minutes from the April 2016 meeting of the Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council may be found at the following link. April 2016 JRAC meeting minutes The next JRAC meeting will be held on June 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the...
Each year, POPAI provides a scholarship in memory of probation officer Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation officer duties in Allen County, Indiana. In an effort to honor an outstanding...
The 2017 Minimum Salary Schedule for Probation Officers has been published. The new schedule reflects a 3% increase. 2017 PO salary schedule
Probation Officer Donald Knepple was shot and killed after being ambushed by a man at a counseling center on South Calhoun Street in Fort Wayne. The suspect, a former juvenile corrections officer who had been convicted of attempted child molestation, had arranged a...
At the following link, you will find the minutes from the January 15, 2016 Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council (JRAC) meeting. January 2016 JRAC minutes The next meeting of the Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council will be held from 10:00 A.M. to Noon (EST) on...
Dear POPAI Members: It’s hard to believe it is time for the Indiana General Assembly to be in session again! Here is the link to the bills filed for far….http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2016/bills/ POPAI was asked to provide feedback re: HEA 1006 to Jane Seigel who was...
The 2015 Corrections and Criminal Code Interim Study Committee completed its work by the Nov. 1st deadline. The committee’s FINAL REPORT is filed online. 2015 FINAL REPORT Corrections and Criminal Code
On September 4, 2015, an open house was held in Rensselaer, Indiana, to celebrate the dedicated service of Chief Probation Officer Michael E. Sinks, who recently retired from the Jasper County Probation Department. Sinks joined the Jasper...
I am pleased to let you know that the 2014 Indiana Probation Reports are now available on the Indiana Courts website. 2015 Probation Reports The Probation Reports are prepared as required by Administrative Rule 1(C) of the Indiana Rules of Court and Indiana Code §...
The 2015 POPAI Line Probation Officer of the Year Award was presented to Elizabeth Starck of Clark County Probation. Elizabeth has been with Clark County Probation for nearly 10 years. Her Chief Probation Officer Jamie Hayden stated, “Elizabeth has always been one...
The 2015 POPAI “Rookie” Probation Officer of the Year Award was presented to Rachael Jones of Clark County Probation. Rachael was hired by Clark County Probation in April of 2014 with the express purpose of conducting Pre-sentence Investigations. According to her...
At the POPAI Fall Conference in French Lick, the 2015 Founder’s Award was presented to Joe Hooker of Tippecanoe County Probation. The POPAI Founder’s Award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of probation in general and specifically...
At the September 17, 2015 Annual POPAI Business meeting, the membership approved changes to the organization’s by-laws. The changes are primarily related to Life Membership; i.e., how to apply for Life Membership and clarification regarding Life Member voting...
Greetings POPAI Membership: According to the POPAI Bylaws, Article XIV AMENDMENTS These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed by the membership if a quorum is present at any regular or special meeting. Any proposed alteration to the bylaws shall be submitted to...
Below is a link to the 2016 Minimum Salary Schedule for Probation Officers. The 2016 schedule reflects a 2.2% increase. 2016 PO Salary Schedule
POPAI provides a scholarship in memory of probation officer Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation officer duties in Allen County, Indiana. In an effort to honor an outstanding professional and...
Sam Houston State University Probation Executive of the Year Award Since 1989, the National Association of Probation Executives and the George J. Beto Criminal Justice Center at Sam Houston State University have recognized the Probation Executive of the Year by...
POPAI is honored to announce the 2014 Founder’s Award was presented to Justice Brent E. Dickson of the Indiana Supreme Court. The POPAI Founder’s Award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of probation in general and specifically to...
POPAI proudly announces that the inaugural Line Probation Officer of the Year award was presented to Dave Williams of Hamilton County. Dave started as a PO with Hamilton County in October 1997. He supervised offenders and wrote Presentence Investigation Reports. The...
POPAI is proud to announce that the inaugural Rookie Probation Officer of the Year award was presented to Melanie Strode of Harrison County. Melanie joined the Harrison County Superior Court Probation Department in November 2013. The letters of support sent on...
Dear POPAI Membership: The POPAI Bylaws were amended at the POPAI Annual business meeting on September 4, 2014. The primary change to the by-laws involves the membership year. See below. It has become increasingly difficult for POPAI members, Chief Probation...
For the year 2015, the Judicial Conference of Indiana has approved a 2% salary increase for probation officers. PO salary-schedule-2015
The Judicial Conference of Indiana Board of Directors voted unanimously at its March 2014 meeting to approve revisions to the Indiana Probation Standards. The revisions mark the first significant changes to the Probation Standards since 2001 and become effective on...
Full Article Offenses committed after June 30, 2014 fall under the new credit time levels as outlined by IC 35-50-6-3.1. The Credit Time Calculator can be used to determine earned credit time based on the highest degree of offense or whether the defendant is a credit...
July 27, 2014 Dear POPAI Membership: According to the POPAI Bylaws, Article XIV AMENDMENTS These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed by the membership if a quorum is present at any regular or special meeting. Any proposed alteration to the bylaws shall be...
Full Article Evansville Courier & Press July 13, 2014 By Mark Wilson EVANSVILLE, Ind. — As Indiana’s criminal justice system has evolved in its approach to rehabilitating offenders the role of probation officers has also evolved. “It’s a lot different from it was...
July 11, 2014 Greetings POPAI Membership: According to the POPAI Bylaws, Article XIV AMENDMENTS These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed by the membership if a quorum is present at any regular or special meeting. Any proposed alteration to the bylaws shall be...
July 9, 2014 The POPAI Executive Board has created two new awards for 2014 to recognize outstanding probation officers in the state. The “Rookie” Probation Officer of the Year Award was established to recognize probation officers who, while at the beginning of...
From the Indiana Judicial Center Dear Trial Judges and Chief Probation Officers: Since 1979, IC 11-13-1-8 has directed the Judicial Conference of Indiana Board of Directors to set minimum standards for compensation of probation officers. The Board fulfilled this duty...
by Linda Brady POPAI President The Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) provides a scholarship in memory of probation officer Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation...
