POPAI Annual Elections: Slate to be posted August 5

The POPAI Annual Elections will take place during the Annual Meeting in French Lick on September 4, 2025. Open positions include: Vice President Treasurer District Reps: Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 (plus the currently vacant District 6) At-Large Seat #1 Intent to Run forms...

For Ex-Prisoners, Education Is the Antidote to Recidivism

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...

Rural counties aren’t escaping gun violence

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....

Recognizing and easing the physical symptoms of anxiety

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...

Youth mentors say curfew proposal could work but not a cure-all

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...

Gregory David Schultz (September 9, 1964 – July 8, 2025)

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...

Honoring the Legacy of Charley and Linda Knepple

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...

POPAI Newsletter

Catch up on POPAI News from every committee. Download POPAI Summer 2025 Newsletter

Noble County drug court helps give back dreams for 50 classes

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 CIT earns silver certification

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...

The Public Costs of Supervision Versus Detention

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...

Indiana to receive up to $100M as part of $7.4B opioid settlement

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...

Marion County to Push Hundreds of Expungements

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...

Leadership Training: How the POPAI Chief Executive Committee works

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...

Suicide prevention takes on urgency

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...

Building Connections to Housing During Reentry

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’...

POPAI Corporate Sponsor Policy

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:...

Legislative Update

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...

Greg Werich Receives Order of Augustus

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...

Remembering April 28, 1997: Donald R. “Charley” Knepple

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...

Legalized marijuana hits roadblocks after years of expansion

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...

Commentary: Protecting Hoosier youth from unregulated vapes

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...

Youth gun deaths in the US have surged 50% since 2019

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...

Tippecanoe County Sheriff on Jails and Mental Health

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

Overdose Lifeline introduces new online tool

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...

IN teen drug use stats show greater need for early intervention

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...

Measure updating Adult Protective Services glides through committee

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...

POPAI Seeks District 6 Representative

After years of dedicated service, District 6 Representative Albert Arnold has resigned to pursue a new career path. The POPAI Board now invites interested and qualified candidates to apply for the District 6 representative position by completing the Intent to Run form...

State of the Judiciary speech

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

Proposed changes to alcohol and drug program rules

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....

Grant Opportunities

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...

Lawmakers move THC test threshold for impaired driving

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...

County jails on the hook as state stops paying prisoner costs

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 Tracks 2025 Legislation

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.

National Institute of Corrections partners with Rulo Strategies

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...

POPAI 2025 Board Meeting Schedule

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...

Marion County Judicial Finalists

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

Beyond Substance Podcast

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...

Guardian ad Litem Guidelines adopted by Indiana Supreme Court

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...

Commentary: Five takeaways from Indiana judicial elections in 2024

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...

CEPP Releases New Reentry Guide for Justice-Involved Women

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...

Judiciary Releases First Annual Report on the Workplace

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...

AllRise Practitioner Training: Coordinators

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...

Public safety secretary named

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...

POPAI Weekly Updates Email Changes to Monthly Digest

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...

Lt. governor hears about advances in NE Indiana mental health system

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...

Two Juvenile Probation Videos

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...

NCSC Behavioral Health Resources

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...

Justice Involved Veterans

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

Indiana Law Bars Media From Seeing First Execution Since 2009

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...

POPAI Membership

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...

Website for Rules of Court

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...

Advancing Pretrial Policy & Research (APPR) YouTube Channel

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...

2025 Membership

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...

Violent Crime Reduction Roadmap

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...

POPAI Training Coordinator: Welcome Shannon Chambers

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...

Remembering Thomas E. Gahl: EOW September 22, 1986

  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,...

2024 Founder’s Award Winners

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...

Founder’s Award Winner: Cherie Epley

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...

Rookie Probation Officer of the Year Award Winner: Michelle Murfin

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...

Line Probation Officer of the Year Award Winner: Stephanie Eddy

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...

Local PO Elected to APPA Board of Directors

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...

POPAI History: Our Logo

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:...

2024 Legislation

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.

POPAI New Board Members and Award Winners

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...

2023 Order of Augustus Award Winner: Troy Hatfield

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...

2024 Probation Officer Salary Schedule

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

Susan Bentley Graduates from APPA Leadership Institute

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...

POPAI Bylaws revised and approved by the POPAI Membership

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...

Proposed POPAI Bylaw Revisions

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...

POPAI Paid Membership Levels: What’s the Difference?

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...

Remembering Donald “Charley” Knepple

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,...

Remembering Catherine Custer

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...

Congratulations Susan Allen: POPAI 2021 Founder’s Award Winner

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...

2021 Legislation Update

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...

POPAI Board Selects New District 3 Representative

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...

2021 Legislative Session Wrap-up

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...

2022 Minimum Salary Schedule for Probation Officers

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.

Knepple Scholarship 2021: Two Scholarships Awarded

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...

Remembering Donald R. “Charley” Knepple

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,...

Jessica Stall: POPAI Rookie of the Year 2020

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...

POPAI to Hold Annual Business Meeting via Zoom

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...

2020 Knepple Scholarship Award Winner Patrick Hillenburg

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...

2019 POPAI Founder’s Award Winner: Troy Hatfield

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...

2019 Line Probation Officer of the Year Award Winner: Lindsay Long

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...

2019 Knepple Scholarship Award Winner: Elizabeth Darenski

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...

Susan Rice, Miami County’s CPO Elected APPA Vice President

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...

Remembering April 28, 1997: Donald R. “Charley” Knepple

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...

POPAI Submits an Amicus Curiae Brief with Court of Appeals

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...

2018 Founder’s Award Winner: Judge Vicki Carmichael

  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...

2018 Legislative Summary

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...

Proposed POPAI Bylaws Revisions

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...

2019 Probation Officer Minimum Salary Schedule

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

Remembering April 28, 1997: Donald R. “Charley” Knepple

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...

2018 Legislative Session Digest

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...

POPAI August 2017 Legislative Report

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...

2017 Founder’s Award: Glenna Shelby

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,...

2017 Rookie Probation Officer of the Year: Brittany Stodghill

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...

2017 Line Probation Officer of the Year: Ben Neureiter

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...

2017 Legislative Session Digest

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.

2018 Probation Officer Minimum Salary Schedule

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....

Remembering April 28, 1997: Donald R. “Charley” Knepple

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...

2017 Legislative Session

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 Calculator Tool Available

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

Probation Statistics available from Indiana Supreme Court

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...

Judiciary addressing rising number of CHINS cases around state

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...

Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council Publishes Annual Report

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...

Indiana Evidence Based Decision Making Initiative Update

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...

Indiana Criminal Justice Association Awards

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...

Beber named top probation officer of the year

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...

2016 Line Probation Officer of the Year: Edward Beber

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...

2016 Founder’s Award Winner: Susan Rice

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,...

Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council – June 20, 2016 Update

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...

2017 PO Minimum Salary Schedule CORRECTED

  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...

Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council News

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...

Remembering April 28, 1997: Donald R. “Charley” Knepple

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...

Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council Minutes Posted

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...

POPAI Legislative Update

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...

Chief PO Sinks Honored

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...

Indiana 2014 Probation Report Published

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 §...

2015 POPAI Line Probation Officer of the Year Award

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...

2015 POPAI “Rookie” Probation Officer of the Year Award

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...

POPAI Founder’s Award presented to Joe Hooker

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...

POPAI By-laws Revised at Annual Business Meeting

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...

Proposed POPAI Bylaws Revision

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...

2015 Knepple Scholarship Awarded

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...

Indiana Chief PO named Probation Executive of the Year

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...

Justice Brent Dickson Receives POPAI Founder’s Award

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 Presents Line PO of the Year Award to Dave Williams

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 Presents Rookie PO of the Year Award to Melanie Strode

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...

Revised POPAI By-laws Approved, Membership Year to Change

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...

Indiana Probation Standards revised effective July 1st

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...

Credit Time Calculator

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...

Revised POPAI By-laws UPDATE

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...

Indiana’s probation standards revised for first time since 2001

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...

POPAI By-laws Proposed Revisions

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...

POPAI Creates New Awards to Recognize Probation Officers

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...

2015 Minimum Salary Schedule for Probation Officers

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...

Knepple Scholarship Awarded

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...