Article Archives 2006

Study: Meth Use Climbs on East Coast
November 30th, 2006
By LARA JAKES JORDAN, Associated Press
Submitted by Warren Hale, District 8
Methamphetamine use is increasing along the East Coast after years of largely being confined to rural areas west of the Mississippi River, a government report shows.
Click here for more at Officer.com…

Cop charged in fatal Lake Co. crash
November 28, 2006
Associated Press
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
CROWN POINT, Ind. — Prosecutors on Monday filed felony drunken driving charges against a Chicago police officer over a January crash in which one man died and another was seriously hurt.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

State plans $1.16B welfare overhaul
November 29, 2006
Tim Evans, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
Gov. Mitch Daniels and IBM officials today announced a bold plan to privatize part of Indiana’s welfare system in a 10-year, $1.16 billion program that was immediately questioned by advocates for the state’s poor.
The governor said the plan would save Indiana nearly $500 million in administrative costs alone over the next 10 years.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Plaintiff wants to stay ‘John Doe’
Sex offender suing Plainfield says if he’s identified, he and his son would be at risk
November 28, 2006
By Richard D. Walton, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
His name and address are listed on a sex-offender registry, available to anyone with a computer. But in a legal challenge demanding that he be allowed to visit Plainfield recreational facilities, he goes by "John Doe."

On Wednesday, the Indiana Court of Appeals will consider whether the Marion County man, convicted of child exploitation and possession of child pornography, can remain anonymous in pursuing his suit or, as Plainfield maintains, must reveal his identity in making his allegations in court.Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Ex-jailer guilty in stun gun death
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — A former Monroe County jailer accused of using a stun gun to shock an inmate who later died received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to criminal recklessness.
“I’m terribly, terribly sorry for their loss and the heartache they’ve endured,” David Shaw said during a sentencing hearing Wednesday in a Monroe County court. “This really was a tragedy that should have never happened.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Supreme Court Chooses New Computer System Vendor
November 6, 2006
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7
The Indiana Supreme Court has selected Tyler Technologies, Inc., to supply and install a new computer system that will manage cases for Indiana trial courts, Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard announced today. The selection followed a lengthy competitive procurement, Shepard said, and is contingent on negotiating a satisfactory contract with Tyler.
Click here for more at IN.gov…

Exodus of cops, expertise looming
155 to retire by ’09
November 20, 2006
By Brendan O’Shaughnessy, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
IPD Patrolman Richard J. Kenney plans to retire next year, taking with him nearly 40 years of experience in putting criminals behind bars. At least 86 other Indianapolis Police Department officers will retire next year, taking with them a cumulative 2,800 years of experience.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

FW agency loses sensitive papers in street
November 14, 2006
Associated Press
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — An agency that works to prevent child abuse was trying to find out how more than 100 pages of confidential documents ended up scattered across two city blocks.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

BMV worker admits selling fake IDs
November 14, 2006
Associated Press
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Bureau of Motor Vehicles officials say they have added security measures following the arrest of a worker on charges that she sold fraudulent state identification cards to illegal immigrants.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

New sheriffs, prosecutors, judges elected in statewide races
November 8, 2006
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
Republicans swept all the county offices and most of the township government leadership posts in Boone County. Republican Marc Applegate, a new county commissioner, said the biggest challenge of the next four years will be guiding the growth and development that is flooding into the southeastern corner of the county around Zionsville, Lebanon and Whitestown.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

County seeks alternatives to jailing kids
October 31, 2006
IndyStar.com
Submitted by Jennifer Outlaw
A nationally known expert on juvenile justice reform spoke to local court and juvenile officials today about alternatives to locking up troubled youths.

Tim Roche, a national Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) consultant, shared his experiences with community stakeholders.
The presentation will focus on alternatives to secure detention for juvenile offenders that foster economic opportunities, build social networks for neighborhoods, and connect youth with formal support and services.Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

One arrested at sex offender session
November 1, 2006
By Will Higgins, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Jennifer Outlaw
Police arrested a convicted sex offender Tuesday night after the man arrived at a mandatory meeting for sex offenders with a child in his car.

The man’s name was not immediately available.
He was one of 236 sex offenders who attended a meeting arranged by Marion Superior Court’s probation department. The meeting was designed to keep the offenders off the street on Halloween during the time children trick-or-treat. Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

County gathers sex offenders on Halloween
October 31, 2006
IndyStar.com
Submitted by Jennifer Outlaw and Christine Kerl
More than 200 convicted sex offenders in Marion County are expected to attend a mandatory meeting tonight to keep them off the streets during official "trick or treat" hours for children.

Joining Marion Superior Court probationers for the 3rd annual Halloween night meeting this year will be parolees from the Indiana Department of Correction. Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Drug Courts Reduce Recidivism
By Kenneth G. Todd Judge, Monroe Circuit Court
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7
One of the most pressing issues facing the criminal justice system in the 21st century is the over-crowding of prisons and jails. It is a complex issue that defies meaningful discussion in the space allocated to this article. However, the direct correlation of alcohol and drug abuse to criminal conduct cannot be denied. According to a three-year national study conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, alcohol and drug abuse is a direct cause or contributing factor in about 80% of all crimes. Click here for more…

Indiana creates military academy for drop outs
October 12, 2006
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
A new National Guard academy that will give high-school dropouts a second chance is coming to Indiana,
Gov. Mitch Daniels and Major Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, adjutant general for the Indiana National Guard, announced today the establishment of the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy.
Indiana becomes the 26th state in the nation to adopt the program, started in 1993 by the National Guard. The 17-month program is for teenaged boys and girls ages 16 through 18 who have dropped out of high school.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

PROBATION SYSTEM: Key Player in Re-Entry Planning
By Linda Brady, District 7, Chief Probation Officer, Monroe Circuit Court Probation Department

Monroe County Probation
Probation is the most common form of criminal sentence in the U.S. More offenders are sentenced to probation than to prisons and jails combined. Probationers include adult offenders whom courts place on community supervision generally in lieu of jail or prison. Probation includes court-mandated stipulations and prohibitions on certain activities. Probation often includes other conditions such as substance abuse treatment, payment of victim restitution, completing educational requirements, and obtaining/maintaining employment. Click here for more…

Indiana prison to house Calif inmates
October 5, 2006
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
As many as 1,200 prisoners from California will be housed in the New Castle Correctional Facility under a plan announced this morning by Gov. Mitch Daniels.
“We saw an opportunity and contacted California officials several months ago,” Daniels said. “We look at every way we can to be creative and businesslike, and this is a win for everyone."
Indiana will receive $6.2 million per year to house the inmates, and up to 200 new jobs will be created at the facility. Much of the space at New Castle has been empty since the facility opened in 2002. There are currently 1,046 offenders housed in the 2,416-person capacity facility.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Sex offender parks ban on hold
October 5, 2006
By Jon Murray, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
A federal judge today barred Indianapolis from enforcing an ordinance that bans child molesters from going within 1,000 feet of parks, playgrounds and public places where children gather.
The City-County Council ordinance, approved in May, made it illegal for anyone convicted of sex crimes against children to go near parks unless accompanied by another adult who is not an offender.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Gang conference raises awareness
Sept. 25, 2006
by Sarah Etter, Corrections.com
Submitted by Cherie Wood,POPAI Secretary
Chances are, if you haven’t heard of MS-13, or the Mara Salvatrucha, gang you soon will.

Established in El Salvador twelve years ago during a civil war, MS-13 is quickly gaining international recognition. Currently, many gang experts are concerned that MS-13 is migrating from El Salvador to Los Angeles and infiltrating countries and states in between.Click here for more at Corrections.com…

Alcoholics Anonymous may prevent murders Relationship between male drinking, homicide tracked in Canada
Sept 25, 2006
Submitted by Michelle Dempsey, Allen Co. AADP Probation
WASHINGTON – Alcoholics Anonymous, the worldwide group that helps addicts stop drinking, may also help drive down the number of murders in a community, Canadian researchers reported Sunday.

As membership in the group in Ontario, Canada, increased between 1968 and 1991, murders there dropped off, said Robert Mann from the University of Toronto and Mark Asbridge from Dalhousie University. Click here for more at MSNBC.com…

Rookie District Attorney Cracks Down on Drunk Drivers
Sept. 19, 2006
By FRANK ELTMAN, Associated Press
Submitted by Michelle Dempsey, Allen Co. AADP Probation
MINEOLA, N.Y. (Sept. 25) – Kathleen Rice’s eyes begin to well up when she talks about the victims of drunken driving.She cannot fathom why so many people – more than 4,100 arrested in her community last year – turn the ignition after having a few drinks. More troublesome, she said, is that one-third have been caught before.

Rice, however, can do something about it: As Nassau County district attorney, she has launched an aggressive assault on drunken driving in one of the nation’s busiest traffic corridors.

She does not allow plea deals in DWI cases. She put a man on trial for murder in a horrific drunken-driving crash. And she plans to slap alcohol-sensors on the ankles of admitted alcoholics.Click here for more at AOL.com…

Top Miami Football Recruit Gets Probation
Sept. 19, 2006
Submitted by Warren Hale, District 8
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Top Miami football recruit Willie Williams was sentenced to three years’ probation Tuesday for violating probation on a burglary conviction.

He could have faced up to a year in jail, but the prosecution didn’t request jail time.

"I just feel so great right now," the 19-year-old player said. "I feel magnificent. Words can’t express what this means to me."

Williams must perform 250 hours of community service while on probation and is banned from drinking alcohol and taking unprescribed drugs. He’ll be subject to random testing.

Alcoholics Anonymous may prevent murders Relationship between male drinking, homicide tracked in Canada
Sept 25, 2006
Submitted by Michelle Dempsey, Allen Co. AADP Probation
WASHINGTON – Alcoholics Anonymous, the worldwide group that helps addicts stop drinking, may also help drive down the number of murders in a community, Canadian researchers reported Sunday.

As membership in the group in Ontario, Canada, increased between 1968 and 1991, murders there dropped off, said Robert Mann from the University of Toronto and Mark Asbridge from Dalhousie University. Click here for more at MSNBC.com…

Rookie District Attorney Cracks Down on Drunk Drivers
Sept. 19, 2006
By FRANK ELTMAN, Associated Press
Submitted by Michelle Dempsey, Allen Co. AADP Probation
MINEOLA, N.Y. (Sept. 25) – Kathleen Rice’s eyes begin to well up when she talks about the victims of drunken driving.She cannot fathom why so many people – more than 4,100 arrested in her community last year – turn the ignition after having a few drinks. More troublesome, she said, is that one-third have been caught before.

Rice, however, can do something about it: As Nassau County district attorney, she has launched an aggressive assault on drunken driving in one of the nation’s busiest traffic corridors.

She does not allow plea deals in DWI cases. She put a man on trial for murder in a horrific drunken-driving crash. And she plans to slap alcohol-sensors on the ankles of admitted alcoholics.Click here for more at AOL.com…

Top Miami Football Recruit Gets Probation
Sept. 19, 2006
Submitted by Warren Hale, District 8
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Top Miami football recruit Willie Williams was sentenced to three years’ probation Tuesday for violating probation on a burglary conviction.

He could have faced up to a year in jail, but the prosecution didn’t request jail time.

"I just feel so great right now," the 19-year-old player said. "I feel magnificent. Words can’t express what this means to me."

Williams must perform 250 hours of community service while on probation and is banned from drinking alcohol and taking unprescribed drugs. He’ll be subject to random testing.

AZ POs say revoke more probations
Sept. 19, 2006
by Kim Smith, Arizona Daily Star
Submitted by Lori Gross, District 2
Last year Pima County spent up to $1.6 million housing people who were picked up for "technical" violations of their probation.They were typically put back on probation a month after their arrests.
Pima County probation officers asked judges to revoke the probation of more than 2,000 people last year, most of whom were accused of such things as failing to submit to drug tests, not showing up for counseling sessions and not paying fines and restitution, as opposed to committing a new crime.
Click here for more at AZStarNet.com…

Firings In Xbox Murders Aftermath
Probation Officer, 3 Supervisors Missed Chances To Lock Up Suspect
August 10, 2004
Submitted by Terri Bodine, Shelby Co. Probation
Florida officials have fired a probation officer and three of his supervisors for missing key opportunities to lock up a violent ex-convict before he became the suspected mastermind of a home invasion that left six people dead — supposedly over an Xbox video game system.
Click Here for more at CBSNews.com..

Hendricks Co. police see value in reserve cops
Chief tells Town Council his plan would beef up force, save money
September 5, 2006
by Tom Spalding, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
It’s popular, practical and doesn’t have to be pricey. Avon police want to create a reserve officer program like those at other Hendricks County law enforcement agencies. Chief Jeff Ritorto pitched such a plan to the Town Council in August. He estimated it would cost $8,000 per person to put reserve officers on the street.
That price, Ritorto said in a letter to the council, would be substantially less than for a full-time officer because there’s no need to supply vehicles, associated vehicle equipment and personnel costs.
Click Here for more at IndyStar.com..

Police: Gang violence rising in Indiana
September 13, 2006
by Vic Ryckaert, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
Indiana’s gang problem, fueled by home-grown imitators and an influx of Hispanic gangs, is growing worse, according to a State Police expert. It is impossible to know exactly how many gang members or even gangs are at play in Indianapolis, according to a leader with Marion County’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force.
Click Here for more at IndyStar.com…

Young offenders get a leg up
New education and mentoring program aims to help juveniles avoid reincarceration
September 4, 2006
By Tim Evans IndyStar.com
Submitted by Jennifer Outlaw
At 17, he is a man-child facing the daunting challenge of getting his life on track after straying into a world of guns, drugs and crime.

The odds aren’t good, though, for him or many of the 1,200 or so other Indiana teens released each year from Department of Correction detention facilities.
One in three will be back behind bars within three years, some on their way to lives as career criminals.Click Here for more at IndyStar.com…

Idaho shooting aftermath: Gunman faced seven years in prison
September 4, 2006
Associated Press
Submitted by Eric Zimmerman
POCATELLO — Court records show that a convicted rapist who was killed in a Pocatello police shootout on Thursday faced up to seven years in prison for probation violations.
Click Here for more at KTVB.com…

POPAI Board Election Results
President
Eric Zimmerman, Allen County
Secretary
Cherie Wood, Vanderburgh County
District 2 Representative
Lori Gross, Allen County
District 4 Representative
Katherine Hurd-Holtzleiter, Madison County
District 6 Representative
Joe S. Hooker, Tippecanoe County
District 8 Representative
Warren Hale, Vanderburgh County

Register for Indiana Justice Center Drug Courts Workshop. Oct. 5-6
Click here for forms and info at www.in.gov

With debut of Indy’s night court, wheels of justice keep on turning
August 22, 2006
By Karen Eschbacher, Vic Ryckaert and Richard D. Walton, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7
Steven Eichholtz looked ahead at the 17-year-old in a green prison jumpsuit who stood before him, charged with carrying a handgun without a license.
In a methodical and deliberate tone, Eichholtz explained that the teenager, Undrae Moseby, has certain rights: the right to an attorney, the right not to incriminate himself and the right to a jury trial.
Click here for more at Indystar.com…

Feds will probe county Juvenile Center
August 24, 2006
By Richard D. Walton, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
The U.S. Department of Justice will investigate the troubled Marion County Juvenile Detention Center, focusing on how the staff can prevent or investigate abuse and how detainees can air grievances.
The investigation comes after a series of high-profile incidents surfaced at the center in the past four months, including reports of sexual abuse of females in custody and shoddy bookkeeping.
Click here for more at Indystar.com…

Judge issues cell phone justice
August 24, 2006
Associated Press
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
CROWN POINT, Ind. — A judge detained and questioned a row of spectators when a cell phone rang for a third time in her courtroom, later ordering two people to serve community service for contempt of court.
Click here for more at Indystar.com…

Homicide surge extends beyond Indy
Recent rise in Marion County follows nationwide trend
August 13, 2006
By Karen Eschbacher, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
From Cincinnati to Orlando and Houston to Columbus, Ohio, cities across the country are witnessing a rise in homicides, prompting police and other officials to take a hard look at what is fueling the bloodshed.
Click Here for more at IndyStar.com…

Slayings point to understaffing
Demand soars for department that needs more cops, Franklin police chief says
August 5, 2006
By Paul Bird, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
The continuing investigation into a double homicide further highlights the need for more full-time Franklin police officers, Franklin Police Chief John Borges said Friday. He said Franklin’s department is operating with 10 fewer officers than recommended by the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Academy.
Click Here for more at IndyStar.com…

Avon Police station moves ahead
But some want a halt to a police/court project they think is moving too fast
August 12, 2006
By Josh Duke, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
The proposed police and court building moved forward Thursday, but questions continue to swirl around the $1.7 million Hendricks County facility.The Town Council voted 3-1 to enter into a lease agreement with the Avon Municipal Facilities Corp. to build the facility.
Click Here for more at IndyStar.com…

IV drug use rises in Indiana teens, IU survey says
Record number of high school seniors report injecting drugs like heroin and meth
July 31, 2006
By Staci Hupp, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Don Travis
The number of Indiana high school seniors who say they have shot up heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs has hit an all-time high, according to new Indiana University findings that are backed by drug counselors.
Click Here for more at IndyStar.com…

For Addicts, Firm Hand Can Be the Best Medicine
August 15, 2006
Commentary by SALLY SATEL, M.D.
Submitted by Eric Zimmerman
Mel Gibson is the latest reminder of the perils of drunken driving. But in his case it was talking while intoxicated that attracted so much attention.
Typically, of course, it is not what someone says under the influence that concerns the public, but what he does. Safety is our main worry. And the goal is to keep the person from driving while intoxicated.
Click Here for more at NYTimes.com…

Madison County judge faces disciplinary charges
August 1,2006
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
Judicial disciplinary charges have been filed against a Madison Superior Court judge for an alleged ethical violation.

The charges against Judge Thomas Newman Jr. resulted from a 2001 case in which the Indiana Court of Appeals ordered the release of a prisoner who had been sentenced by Newman. Click Here for more at IndyStar.com…

State uses DNA database to fight crime
August 1,2006
Roger Harvey/ WTHR Eyewitness News
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
Thousands of convicted felons in Indiana are now required to give a DNA sample. The DNA will go into a statewide database where ultimately that information could lead to a reduction in crime in the future. There’s mixed reaction from convicts, but police believe it could help solve cold cases. Convicted felons in Indiana are now required to give a DNA sample so State Police can build a database of offenders. Click Here for more at WTHR.com…

Probation officers take to bike patrols to find homeless
July 17,2006
By Vic Ryckaert, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Jennifer Outlaw
Marion County probation officers are taking a page from community policing practices and will mount bicycles to patrol the city in search of homeless offenders.

Staring today, the two probation officers on the Homeless Team will ride bicycles three days a week to homeless missions, day reporting centers and other areas Downtown trying to locate probationers who live on the streets. Click Here for more at IndyStar.com…

City police pick up the pace
Under chief’s new directives, arrests and tickets are upJuly 19,2006
By Paul Bird
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
Increasing police officers’ accountability has paid off for Greenwood residents with a nearly 32 percent increase in criminal arrests.

Police Chief Joe Pitcher said Thursday that he put new policies in place that increased supervision and held officers accountable for their activity.
"We looked through some of their records, and we had supervisors writing more tickets than some patrol officers," he said.

July 16-22 is APPA probation recognition week
April 20, 2006
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week July 16-22, 2006 is a prime time to highlight how important you and your work is to your community. Click here for more information at APPA-net.org…

Audit finds disorder in Payne court
Report cites poor bookkeeping, $2,317 for going-away party
July 16, 2006
By Richard D. Walton and Tim Evans
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
Shoddy record-keeping, the issuing of blank checks for purchases and the apparent misuse of $2,317 for a party are among the findings of an audit of the Marion County Juvenile Court and Detention Center under former Judge James W. Payne.
Click here for more at Indystar.com

Indiana Judicial System offers Spanish courses
July 10, 2006
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
The Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana Judicial Center, and Division of State Court Administration partnered with Ivy Tech Community College to develop a workplace Spanish curriculum for court employees. The curriculum will be presented through 24 hours of classroom instruction. The course textbook will contain basic information needed by court employees to effectively communicate information to Spanish-speaking individuals.
Click here for more at the Indiana Judicial Cnter website…

AMERICAN PROBATION AND PAROLE ASSOCIATION
2006 Annual Training Institute
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7
 
Only Two Weeks Left to Save $50 when you Register to Attend the APPA 2006 Annual Training Institute.  Register before July 5!

Attend the leading educational event for community correction professionals when you participate in the American Probation and Parole Association 2006 Annual Training Institute in Chicago, Illinois, July 23-26.
Click here for more info…

Invitation to Attend Case Management System Vendor Demonstrations

Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7
The Supreme Court’s Division of State Court Administration invites interested parties to attend the public vendor demonstrations on the following Fridays in June and July:

7/7: Computer Systems, Inc. (CSI)

7/14: Maximus – Justice Solutions Division

These sessions will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the Indiana Government Center South, Conference Room B, 402 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. Following the demonstration of the proposed case management system, the vendor will field questions from the audience.
The Court welcomes your participation in the selection process for a statewide 21st century case management system for Indiana

Inmate dies In jail
June 19, 2006
By Kerry Corum, WFIE News
Submitted by Cherie Wood, District 8

Indiana State Police are investigating the death of an inmate at the Daviess County jail.

Bradley Krodel, 40, was jailed on drug and weapons charges when he was found unresponsive around noon Saturday.

Krodel, who was in an isolation cell at his request, was pronounced dead about an hour later at the Daviess Community Hospital.

The county coroner is also working with state police in the investigation.

Hearings and surveys move PREA forward
June 19, 2006
By Jim Montalto, News Editor, Corrections.com
Submitted by Cherie Wood, District 8

Earlier this month, the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission met in Boston, Massachusetts for its second public hearing of the year to discuss the impact that prison rape and attempts at such activity have on juvenile offenders. In March, the NPREC, which is comprised of judges, attorneys, private consultants, and those in the academic and nonprofit communities, gathered in Miami, Florida for the corrections’ perspective to this pervasive challenge.

Juvenile center fires 6 staffers with records
June 15, 2006
by Richard D. Walton, IndStar.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
Six employees of the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center have been fired for having criminal records judged too serious for them to continue supervising youths.The convictions included battery, drug possession and theft.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com

Online databases will make seaches for 19th century Supreme Court cases easier
June 15, 2006
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5

A new online database will make it easier to retrieve information about thousands of historic Indiana Supreme Court cases from the 19th century that previously had only been available on a limited basis, Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard announced today. Click here for more at www.in.gov

Download legislative session updates from Indiana Judicial Center website
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5

http://www.in.gov/judiciary/center/legislation

11th arrest in juvenile center staff
Guard is charged with having illegal drugs in newest case
June 15, 2006
By Richard D. Walton
Submitted by Barb Burton, District 3
An 11th employee of the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center has been charged with a crime.

Gates Robertson, 55, a guard who works the evening shift, was arrested Wednesday two blocks from the center, 2451 N. Keystone Ave., and charged with possession of illegal drugs. Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Fee dispute goes to state high court
June 8, 2006
Associated Press
Submitted by Matt Taylor
JEFFERSONVILLE – A power struggle between Clark County’s council and four elected judges over nearly $1.9 million in probation fees is headed to the Indiana Supreme Court, with the outcome perhaps affecting the way Indiana counties spend public money.

Chief Justice Randall Shepard signed an order last week accepting the case from the Indiana Court of Appeals nearly two years after the dispute began. Click here for more at FortWayne.com…

Order of Augustus Awarded to POPAI President
May 25, 2006
Submitted by Tim A. McAlhany

The Order of Augustus was awarded during the Probation Officer’s annual conference in Indianapolis last week to POPAI’s president, Eric Zimmerman. Zimmerman, who has led the association since 2000, is the chief probation officer for Allen County Adult Probation Department and has been a probation officer for 20 years. The award is named for John Augustus, considered the father of Probation in America. Zimmerman received the award for his leadership and dedication in the field of probation. Allen Circuit Court Judge Thomas Felts wrote "His innovative thinking and cooperative approach to all partners in the criminal justice system has enhanced the quality of probation services throughout Indiana."

New director focuses on females
May 25, 2006
By Sarah Etter, Corrections.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5

This week, the Indiana Department of Corrections named Dana Blank as the statewide Director of Female Adult and Juvenile Programs. As the program’s first director, Blank will extend female programming and re-entry initiatives in Indiana’s first gender-based corrections role.
 
“I think we have a great opportunity to promote a strong re-entry component for females,” says Indiana DOC Commissioner J. David Donahue. “We’re working to improve potential outcomes for these women. I am of the humble opinion that gender issues are very important in corrections and we have a responsibility to address that.”
 
Blank will work to improve re-entry services to help female offenders with a seamless return to their communities. Additionally, Blank will work to establish new and innovative programs that reconnect children with their incarcerated mothers.Click here for more at Corrections.com…

Former county probation officer charged with official oppression
By Kenneth Dean, Staff Writer
May 26, 2006
Submitted by Danyel Wagner, District 2

A former Smith County probation officer faces possible jail time after being charged with official oppression after his termination from the department.

Calvin Wayne Keller, 33, Troup, was arrested late last week on three counts of official oppression following alleged inappropriate treatment of a female probationer.

The victim described the incident to the Tyler Morning Telegraph in an earlier report as an unwelcome sexual advance that left her shaken.

The woman said she went into the probation office last month at her regular scheduled time to report when the officer began asking her questions about her identity. Click here for more at Tylerpaper.com…

No Prison By Reason Of Height?
May 26, 2006
Submitted by Danyel Wagner, District 2
OMAHA, Neb. — Height should have nothing to do with justice, Nebraska’s top law enforcement officer said on Thursday.

District Judge Kristine Cecava of Cheyenne County on Tuesday sentenced Richard Thompson, 50, on two counts of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. He was given 10 years of probation by a judge who said the man was too small to survive prison. His sentence to intensive supervision probation means he’ll be electronically monitored for 120 days, he cannot be alone with anyone under 18 and he can’t date or live with anyone whose children are under 18. Click here for more at KETV.com…

Cameras To Be Allowed In Some Indiana Courtrooms
May 9, 2006
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — A handful of Indiana judges will soon allow still and video cameras into their courtrooms as part of a pilot program lifting restrictions on news media coverage of trials.

Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard signed the order in Evansville today authorizing the program, which came in response to requests from the Indiana Broadcasters Association and the Hoosier State Press Association.

The 18-month program will involve eight trial judges throughout the state who have agreed to allow news cameras and audio recorders into their courtrooms.

Under the order, one video camera, one still camera and up to three tape recorders will be allowed at a time.

Steve Key, with the newspaper industry group Hoosier State Press Association, says the public has a right to know what happens in its courtrooms.

E-commerce elevates Indiana’s prison enterprise program
By Jim Montalto, News Editor
Submitted by Cherie Wood, District 8
When Indiana Department of Corrections (INDOC) Commissioner J. David Donahue began his term in January 2005, he was charged with reducing the state’s recidivism rate. With 90 percent of his inmate population consistently eligible for release, Donahue had to find a comprehensive solution that would encourage inmates to learn the values needed to successfully lead a life outside of prison. Click here for more at Corrections.com…

Monroe County program works to preserve families
Guest column to The Herald-Times
May 6, 2006
This guest column was submitted by Brier Frasier, Monroe County Family Preservation Program coordinator.
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7

For many years, Monroe County has strained to meet the rising costs of out-of-home placements for children referred by the court.

It has been a shared goal of county officials and taxpayers to reduce these placement costs while continuing to provide the necessary services to our local children. Aside from cost, it has long been a common desire of families, service providers, educators and government representatives to keep our children in our community with their families whenever possible.Click here for more…

Couple appeal convictions related to protest of deer kill
Pair found guilty of harassing hunters in ’01 claim wording of state law is too vague
May 3, 2006
Associated Press
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
VALPARAISO, Ind. — A Porter County couple are appealing their convictions for misdemeanor hunter harassment, claiming the law is unconstitutional because it is too vague.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Indiana DOC Roadmap to Re-Entry provides transitional opportunities
May 3, 2006
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
Explore the Indiana Department of Corrections "Roadmap to Re-Entry" initiative at the Access Indiana Website…

Pendleton Correctional Facility Recommendation for ACA Accreditation
April 13, 2006
Submitted by Cherie Wood, District 8 Commissioner J. David Donahue announced April 13 that Pendleton Correctional Facility was recommended for accreditation by the American Correctional Association (ACA). The facility scored a perfect 100 percent on the mandatory standards established by the ACA and scored a 97.7 percent on non-mandatory standards.
Click here for more at Access Indiana…

Indiana Department of Correction Responds to the Emergent Increases of Methamphetamine with Substance Abuse Treatment Unit
April 2006
Submitted by Danyel Wagner, District 2
The Indiana Department of Correction has developed and implemented a specialized intensive substance abuse treatment unit and program entitled "Clean Lifestyle is Freedom Forever" (CLIFF)
Click here for more at Access Indiana…

Web-surfing worker can’t be fired
April 24, 2006
Submitted by Cherie Wood, District 8
Saying surfing the web is equivalent to reading a newspaper or talking on the phone, an administrative law judge has suggested that only a reprimand is appropriate as punishment for a city worker accused of failing to heed warnings to stay off the Internet.
Click here for more at Yahoo! News…

APPA announces probation training, recognition week in July
April 20, 2006
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5

The American Probation and Parole Association has announced a training institute for July 23-26. For information and registration materials visit the APPA website…

Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week July 16-22, 2006 is a prime time to highlight how important you and your work is to your community. Click here for more information at APPA-net.org…

Sex-offender ban, council hit impasse
Officials see Indy’s landmark proposal as being either too harsh or too lenient
April 18, 2006
by Brendan O’Shaughnessy, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
A plan to ban child molesters from places children gather in Indianapolis stalled Monday night after some City-County Council members said the proposed ordinance didn’t go far enough and others said it went too far.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Sex Offender Murder Suspect Kills Self
April 17, 2006
Submitted by Danyel Wagner, District 2
Maine police found two registered sex offenders shot to death in towns 25 miles apart and quickly zeroed in on a suspect, who fatally shot himself as investigators closed in.
Click here for more at CBSnews.com…
Ellettsville Man Charged in Behrman Death
April 10, 2006
By Tony Perkins. WISH News 8
Submitted by Cherie Wood, District 8
An Ellettsville man is in jail, charged with the murder of Indiana University student Jill Behrman. Monday’s announcement marks a turning point in the six-year-old case.
Click here for more at WISH-TV.com…
DOC offers "Thinking for A Change" facilitator training in June
April 12, 2006
Submitted by Kipp Scott, Tippecanoe Co. CPO
National Institute of Corrections offering free Training for Trainers in the delivery of the Thinking for a Change Program. Trainers will include Dr. Juliana Taymans (co-author of Thinking for a Change), Steven Swisher from NIC, and Geralyn Riley.

To attend this training, you must already be trained to facilitate Thinking for a Change.

Training is from June 13 to June 16 at Ivy Tech State College in Lafayette, Indiana.

For more information on the training or on the the Thinking For a Change program, visit the Tippecanoe Co. Probation website .

New rules for sex offenders put pressure on local police
April 2, 2006
by James Boyd, HeraldTimesOnline.com
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7
BLOOMINGTON- New changes in the way convicted sex offenders live after being released from incarceration won’t take effect until July 1, but they already have at least one local law enforcement officer questioning how the state is going to come up with the funding and staffing to enforce them. Click here for more…

Order awaits panel
Mandate for insurance sent to high court
April 5, 2006
By AUBREY WOODS, TribTown.com
Submitted by Cory Walker, Jennings Sup. Court

BROWNSTOWN — A judicial mandate issued Friday by Jackson County’s judges to maintain group health insurance benefits for their employees has yet to make it to the Indiana Supreme Court. Click here for more at TribTown.com…

Probation funds still available
Judge’s stay maintains ‘status quo’ on use of probation funds
April 1, 2006
by Larry Thomas, News-Tribune.net
Submitted by Matt Taylor, POPAI webmaster
The special judge in a Clark County lawsuit over probation user fees has issued a stay, pending an appeal of her Feb. 22 ruling in favor of the county’s judges.

Judge Elaine Brown issued the stay on March 17, a day after the Clark County Council sent her a request to do so via overnight mail. The judge’s decision means that the council can continue to spend probation user fees budgeted in this year’s county spending plan pending the outcome of the council’s appeal of her February ruling prohibiting the council from exerting control over the funds. Click here for more at News-tribune.net…

Molesters may face new limits in Indy
City-County plan aims to keep sex offenders away from kids
March 28, 2006
By Brendan O’Shaughnessy, Indystar.com
Submitted by Jennifer Outlaw and Christine Kerl
A proposal to ban child molesters from Indianapolis playgrounds, swimming pools and other public places puts the city in the forefront of a national drive to restrict the activities of convicted sex offenders.
Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Ex-meth addict strives ‘to turn things around’
March 19,2006
By Angela Mapes, The Journal Gazette
Submitted by Matt Taylor, POPAI webmaster
Brandon Deel hasn’t touched methamphetamine in seven months, but he still has nightmares.

He sees his fellow users beating their children. He sees them giving up their last dollar for drugs instead of food for their kids.

And he sees himself contributing to the epidemic through his own addiction.

Deel surrendered to the stimulant for two years, descending into a dizzying downward spiral that culminated with his September arrest in Noble County for possession of the drug.

The felony charge resulted in a driver’s license suspension, jail time, probation and classes. But Deel considers it the best thing that ever happened to him. Click here for more at FortWayne.com…

Judge rules Clark wrong to take cash from courts
County may have to pay back $1.9million; jobs in jeopardy
March 8,2006
By Alex Davis, The Courier-Journal
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7
The Clark County Council acted illegally when it approved hundreds of thousands of dollars in spending over the last two years, a judge has ruled.

Council President Jim Smith predicted that the ruling could lead to the layoffs of dozens of county employees.Click here for more at Courier-Journal.com…

Courts quicker to address juvenile mental illness
March 5,2006
By Sara Eaton, The Journal Gazette
Submitted by Jennifer Outlaw, POPAI Secretary

Teresa Hatten typically receives two or three phone calls a week from parents seeking guidance regarding their child and mental illness. Often, parents are calling because their child has been arrested for a crime, the president of the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness said.Click here for more at FortWayne.com…

Courts quicker to address juvenile mental illness
March 5,2006
By Sara Eaton, The Journal Gazette
Submitted by Jennifer Outlaw, POPAI Secretary

Teresa Hatten typically receives two or three phone calls a week from parents seeking guidance regarding their child and mental illness. Often, parents are calling because their child has been arrested for a crime, the president of the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness said.Click here for more at FortWayne.com…

Indiana Drug Courts to be Evaluated as part of $250k Grant
February 21, 2006
from The Associated Press
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7

Indiana ‘s role in the growing use of drug courts as a means of rehabilitating people convicted of crimes related to substance abuse will be evaluated as part of a $250,000 grant from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard announced today.

“Several studies indicate that drug courts are a cost-effective alternative to incarceration for non-violent, drug abusing offenders. The goal of this project is to determine whether or not Indiana drug courts are effective at reducing recidivism and to identify any cost benefits associated with drug court participation compared to traditional criminal justice programs,” said Chief Justice Shepard. Click here for more at www.in.gov…

PBS "Frontline" Investigates Meth
March 3, 2006
Submitted by Matt Taylor, webmaster

The full program "The Meth Epidemic" can be viewed online, along with supplementary interviews and multimedia. Click here to visit "The Meth Epidemic" at PBS.org…

Seminar to be offered on sex offenders’ computer use
February 24, 2006
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
The Midwest Regional Network of Interviewing with Sex Offender (MRNISO) and the Indiana Chapter of the Association for of Treatment of Sexual Abusers (INATSA) are sponsoring seminar scheduled for May 5, 2006 from 9-4 p.m. at Valle Vista Conference Center in Greenwood, Indiana. Dr. Jim Tanner will present the topic: "Beyond Prosecution: Understanding and Managing the Convicted Sex Offender’s Computer Use" Visit www.mrniso.org for details.

Second Chances for Offenders
February 24, 2006
By Michelle Gaseau, Corrections.com
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5
The plight of offenders after release — and the relationship that their success or failure has on government pocketbooks and public safety — has definitely caught the attention of federal lawmakers.

The Second Chance Act of 2005, which was introduced last year, has bipartisan support in the House and Senate with more than 100 co-sponsors and seems likely to succeed in providing grant funding to state and local governments as well as resources and assistance for programs and research.Click here for more at Corrections.com…

Bill amendment takes intimidation of corrections employees seriously
February 23, 2006
Submitted by Cory Walker, Jennings Superior Ct.

Representative Terry Goodin (D-Crothersville) has introduced an amendement to Senate Bill 5 which would make intimidation of an employee of the court, probation department, or correctional officer a Class D Felony instead of a Class A Misdemeanor, as it is now.

New Web site provides data on sex offenders
February 14, 2006
IndyStar.com
Submitted by Barb Burton, District 3

A new Internet Web site will allow the public to determine whether a convicted sex offender lives nearby.

The Criminal Alert Network, sponsored by the Indiana attorney general’s office, is accessible at www.indygov.org/pros. It is also accessible at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/, where users also can register to receive automatic e-mail alerts whenever a sexual offender moves into their neighborhood.
All that is required is an address or geographic location, and the site displays a map with icons at the residences of registered sex offenders. A click on the icon reveals the sex offender’s picture, name, date of birth, crime, sentence and place of employment.
People who do not have Internet access can obtain the same information through the Criminal Alert Hotline, (317) 327-KIDS (327-5437), operated by the Marion County prosecutor’s office. The hotline will operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Louisville probation officer killed
February 17, 2006
WAVE-TV News, Louisville
Submitted by Barb Burton, District 3

A state probation parole officer found shot in a Louisville park died early Tuesday morning at a hospital. Gerald Zellar, 49, died at at 3:44 a.m. EST at University Hospital, said Jim Wesley, a Jefferson County deputy coroner. Wesley said Zellar died from a single gunshot wound. Zellar was found by Louisville police around 6 p.m. in a parking lot at Cox’s Park, a riverfront facility in eastern Louisville. Click here for more at Wave3.com…

APPA reports trends in probation
Submitted by Danyel Wagner, District 2
"Probation and parole play an essential and critical role in the administration of both criminal and juvenile justice. They supervise the vast majority of offenders, and their caseloads continue to grow. In response to the pressures of increased workload, static or declining budgets, and limited public and political support, six strategic trends have emerged. These trends characterize the efforts of probation and parole to meet their mandates and improve their effectiveness."
Click here for an HTML version of the report…
Click here to AUTOMATICLLY DOWNLOAD the pdf version of the report..

Justices Release CMS Update
February 14, 2006
Indiana Supreme Court justices update on the Judicial Case Management System project which which will better integrate court system networks throughout the state. Click here for the full update…

Alcohol and drug class teaches responsible thinking
January 31, 2006
by David A. Nosko, Indiana Daily Student
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7

Every year local police encounter a wide variety of interesting behavior when they patrol the town late at night. They see people urinating in public, busting through bar windows and stumbling down Kirkwood Avenue, and often have to stop to settle the ruckus. IUPD Lt. Jerry Minger said that scenes like this are not uncommon throughout Bloomington during the school year, and more times than not a student’s public display of illegal activity is the result of drug or alcohol ingestion.Click here for more at IDSNews.com…

Welch facing a dilemma
Local lawmaker must vote on bill that will affect her husband’s authority as juvenile judge
January 16, 2006
by Kurt Van der Dussen, HeraldTimesOnline.com
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7

The Welches are in a jam.

State Rep. Peggy Welch, D-Bloomington, faces having to decide whether to vote for or against a bill with a section that could make it harder for her husband, Monroe Circuit Judge David Welch, to do his job.

The major fiscal bill of the 2006 session, House Bill 1001, has a provision that would limit juvenile judges’ discretion to send troubled kids to institutions. Instead, the county’s Office of Child Services would decide that.
Click here for more…

CPO training to be offered in February 2006
January 5, 2005
The Probation Officer’s Professional Association of Indiana proudly announces the following 2006 training opportunities for Probation Management Staff:
New Chief Probation Officer Orientation
February 20, 2006
Management Institute
February 21, 2006
Chief Probation Officer Summit
February 22, 2006

Click here for more info and registration forms…

Second chances — College for convicts
January 13, 2005
OPINION in San Francisco Chronicle by Tisa Watts
Submitted by Danyel Wagner, District 2
Prison is a great place to get a college education. I was a volunteer at a Bay Area medium-security prison as a tutor and teaching assistant. The prison has an education program that allows a handful of inmates to attend classes for junior college-level credit. The program is staffed almost entirely by volunteers from local universities and colleges, but I would gladly spend my hard-earned tax dollars to support murderers and thieves who want to earn a degree while behind bars.
Click here for more at SFgate.org…

Lagrange Co. CPO Don Fry dies
January 5, 2005
Long-time Lagrange county Chief Probation Officer Don Fry died December 29, 2005. Fry fought cancer for the past two years and continued to work until his death. Fry was CPO for for 21 years.

Indiana Joins DOJ Sex Offender Registry
December 30, 2005
Compiled by Matt Taylor, GoPOPAI Webmaster

Indiana is now one of 48 states listed in the online Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Registry.

The national directory provides names, addresses, and photos, and allows searches of sex offenders by name, county, city and street.

Click here for a background story at NWTimes.com…

Ayres pushes pretrial probation fees
December 1, 2005
by Matthew Van Dusen, NW Times
Submitted by Steve Meyer, District 1
There’s a gray zone between the criminal suspects who can be released on bond and those who go straight to jail.

Judges feel that certain suspects need supervision or therapy for addiction through the Adult Probation and, because of a loophole in state law, these services are offered free of charge despite the costs to taxpayers.Click here for more at NWTimes.com…

Drug Court changing lives for the better
November 13, 2005
Editorial,
HeraldTimesOnline.com
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 8

One by one, they stepped up to the witness box. For each of them, Monroe Circuit Judge Kenneth Todd had a few words: some kind, some joking, some stern, but all caring.Click here for more…

Evansville welcomes new MADD chapter
November 16, 2005
by Katherine Stolp
Submitted by Cherie Wood, District 8

EVANSVILLE – There were nearly 300 alcohol related deaths in Indiana last year. And now a Vanderburgh county mother who lost her son to a drunk driver says it’s time for a change.
Click here for more…

Owen County starts up drug court
Court system scrapes together funds for program to help addicts quit, stay out of jail
November 12, 2005
by Laura Lane,
HeraldTimesOnline.com
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 8

SPENCER – Owen County’s court system may not have much money for innovations, but it has scraped together funds for a drug court to help people with addictions stay clean and out of the court system.Click here for more…

Doxpop Offers Court System Access
November 10, 2005
By Kevin Corcoran, Indystar.com.
Submitted by Susan Rice

Doxpop, an internet based access system for Indiana Court Records, is currently offering it’s services to Indiana Probation Officers at no cost.  Records from approximately 25% of Indiana Courts are currently available through the system and the number of counties signing on is continuing to grow. 
 
The Doxpop system is an excellent tool for Probation Officers who are doing criminal records checks and also provides a mechanism to track subsequent case filings on clients of interest. 
 
To learn more about Doxpop and how you can access the system, please CLICK HERE
.
Sex offenders get lectures for Halloween Nearly 160 on probation ordered to attend talks while trick-or-treaters hit the streets
November 1, 2005
By Kevin Corcoran, Indystar.com.
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5

Marion County’s registered sex offenders on probation for crimes involving children spent the trick-or-treating hours Monday at a Far-Eastside police training center.

For the second straight year, nearly 160 offenders were ordered to show up from 5 to 9 p.m. and listen to lectures at the Indianapolis Police Department’s training facility at 10th Street and Post Road.Click here for more at Indystar.com..

Killer Whales: Motivating Juveniles to Change
By Sarah Etter, News Reporter
Submitted by Christine Kerl,District 5

What could juvenile offenders and killer whales from Sea World have in common? On the surface, it might not seem like much, but for young offenders at the Orange County Jail in Florida, killer whales are an example of positive reinforcement and behavioral changes.

The talks, delivered in an auditorium outfitted with metal folding chairs, ranged from a refresher course in Indiana’s sex offender registry requirements to highlights of Marion County’s policies on using polygraph exams to monitor compliance with the law.Click here for more at Juvenilenet.org…

Sex offender’s probation officer negligent, judge rules
October 26, 2005
By Richard Watts, Times Colonist
Submitted by Christine Kerl, District 5

A probation officer has been found negligent for failing to warn off a convicted child molester from coaching minor hockey in Oak Bay.

The negligence led to the 1985 sexual assault of at least one boy, then 13, who has since sued.

And on Tuesday, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Arne Silverman ruled the provincial government, as the probation officer’s employer, is liable.Click here for more at Canada.com…

Report: State’s young inmates put at risk:Feds find sexual activity and violence in juvenile facilities
October 13, 2005
By Richard D. Walton, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Don Travis, vice-president

A culture of violence and rampant sexual activity at the Plainfield Juvenile Correctional Facility put hundreds of youths in harm’s way, the U.S. Department of Justice says.
A Justice probe of three juvenile facilities in Indiana found sweeping problems, from youth-on-youth violence to excessive use of force by staff.Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Indiana Supreme Court Statement Regarding Statewide Case Management System Project
October 24, 2005
Submitted by Christine Kerl,District 5

The Supreme Court reiterates its commitment to providing all Indiana courts with a 21st century case management system that connects each court’s system with the others’ and with those who need and use court information.

To further that objective, the Court entered into a contract several years ago with Computer Associates International, Inc., to provide and install such a system. Although this contract was terminated last month, a great deal of valuable work has been done and knowledge acquired. And significant advances in technology have been made since the beginning of the project. Because of these developments, the Court is optimistic about achieving its case management system goals.Click here for more at www.ai.org…

Supreme Court arranges for $25,000 in translation services
October 5, 2005
Submitted by Christine Kerl,District 5
“The Indiana Supreme Court has dedicated $25,000 to provide Indiana courts with foreign language interpretation by telephone for less regionally familiar languages, Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard announced today.

The diversity of language in our state’s population has created difficult challenges for our courts. Increasingly, Indiana trial judges are faced with needing interpreter services promptly for many foreign languages. Of the thirty-six counties who sought assistance this year under the Court Interpreter Grant Program, fifteen court systems needed interpreter services for languages other than Spanish or sign language. These courts reported interpretation needs for twenty-six other languages ranging from Arabic to Punjabi to Urdu. While much of our current effort focuses on Spanish interpreting, there is obviously need for attention to speakers of other languages,” Chief Justice Shepard said. Click here for more at www.ai.org…

Support staff training October 27
POPAI announces the "It’s Your Turn" staff training to be held October 27, 2005 at the Auburn WWII Museum. Topics on the agenda include:

  • Dealing With Difficult People
  • Safe Offices
  • Confidentiality
  • Quarterly Reports

Click here for details and registration form…

State deal with software firm dies
Company hired to link courts agrees to refund $7 million
September 21, 2005
By Richard D. Walton, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Don Travis, vice-president

The state of Indiana has ended its connection with a New York-based computer software company hired to create a statewide system linking courts in all 92 counties.

The end came after software designed by contractor Computer Associates International was found to be unworkable for Indiana’s disparate and often-antiquated court practices….Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Better rehabilitation programs could slow jail overcrowding
September 17, 2005
Herald Times, Bloomington, Indiana
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7

This guest column was written by Wain Martin, emeritus professor of business administration, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University.

Although the jail population seems to have been reduced some by the reorganization of the courts by our judges, the Monroe County Jail remains seriously overcrowded…. Click here for more… 

Community Corrections opens
By SHEILA RHOADES, Wabash Plain-Dealer
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7
The team has been assembled and Wabash County’s Community Corrections Program is officially under way.

Heading the team is Director Jeff Hobson. His field officer will be Rick Hahn and Kandy Barker is the department’s administrative assistant. They receive additional help with part-time assistance from John Burnsworth and Steve Gatchel. Click here for more at the Wabash Plain-Dealer…

Meth-Free Indiana Coalition website launched
August 29, 2005
Submitted by Cherie Wood, District 8

The Meth Free Indiana Coalition was formed in early 2005, in response to passage of a legislative initiative to slow the destruction of Methamphetamine in Indiana communities. Click here for more at Access Indiana…

Local juvenile drug court seeing success
Three have graduated from program in first two years
August 27, 2005
By Pat Munsey, The Kokomo Perpective
Submitted by Don Travis, District 3

Howard County is home to the first certified juvenile drug court in the nation. It has operated for a little more than two years, and the first success stories from the program are starting to be told.

According to Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Don Travis, the juvenile drug court took in its first case in March, 2003. In that first year, 11 kids participated in the program. Of those, three have graduated to a clean life. Four more are still in the system, and four others failed the program.
Click here for more at Kokomo Perpective Online…

Clean and sober at 18
Juvenile drug court turned life around for James McDuffie
August 27, 2005
By Pat Munsey, The Kokomo Perpective
Submitted by Don Travis, District 3
James “J.D.” McDuffie first started smoking marijuana at age 9. By age 12, it was cocaine and methamphetamines. He eagerly admits, “I had a bad drug habit.”

Today, he is 18 years old, and is one of the first graduates of Howard County’s juvenile drug court. The experience, he says, changed his life. Click here for more at Kokomo Perpective Online…

Youth prisons to house new populations
August 23, 2005
By Kevin O’Neal, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Don Travis, District 3

Faced with a declining number of female juvenile inmates and an increasing number of adults, the Indiana Department of Correction will change the way it uses two of its facilities.

The Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility, which for years was the Indiana Girls School because girls were incarcerated there, will now house both boys and girls. The juveniles will be placed in buildings separated by fences so the boys and girls cannot interact.Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Jury: Parents share blame in son’s attack
Submitted by Danyel Wagner, District 2
CINCINNATI (AP) — The parents of a teenager who stabbed a 13-year-old girl must bear most of the responsibility, jurors decided as they awarded $10 million to the injured victim and her family. Click here for more at CourtTV.com…

Additional cuts on the table
Council looks at pay, equipment and employees
August 24, 2005
By JENNIFER OCHSTEIN
South Bend Tribune Political Writer
Submitted by Bill Wakeland, District 1

PLYMOUTH — Raises are on the line.

As is longevity, a sheriff’s car and, as promised before, employees.

After a full day of budget hearings Tuesday, the Marshall County Council offered some suggestions on how to get the 2006 general fund budget where it needs to be.

Marshall County Auditor Jan Quivey estimated that over two days the County Council cut just more than $657,000 out of budget requests for 2006. Click here for more…

Nemeth rethinking mandate
Stalemate between judge, county officials may be near an end.

August 24, 2005
By JAMES WENSITS
South Bend Tribune Political Writer
Submitted by Bill Wakeland, District 2

SOUTH BEND — Probate Court Judge Peter J. Nemeth said Tuesday that he is leaning against the use of his mandate powers to require county officials to approve $10,000 pay raises he has requested for two Frederick Juvenile Justice Center employees.  Click here for more…

Monroe County Council approves adding POs for new court
August 19, 2005
Submitted by Linda Brady
Chief Probation Officer, Monroe Circuit Court

This past spring, the Indiana General Assembly approved adding two new courts (judges) for Monroe County.  The first court will be added January 1, 2006; the second court will be added January 1, 2008. Click here for more…

Sheriff’s plan targets sex offenders
August 10, 2005
Associated Press
Submitted by Rebecca Scrock, District 5

ALBION, Ind. — A sheriff plans to prepare a map and photo display of sex offenders living and working in a northeastern Indiana county in what he says is an attempt to protect children.

Noble County Commissioners on Monday approved Sheriff Gary Leatherman’s request for the display, which would be placed near an entrance to the county courthouse. Click here for more at IndyStar.com

Probation officer shot in Phoenix
Officers critical after shooting, kidnapped baby found safe
August 3, 2005
Emily Bittner and Jack Gillum,The Arizona Republic
Submitted by Eric Zimmerman

The moment Joseph Anthony Spano saw two law enforcement officers inside a Phoenix counseling center Wednesday afternoon, authorities say the 25-year-old drew a gun from his waistband and shot both men. Click here for more…

Child welfare plan calls for prevention
August 1, 2005
By Tammy Webber, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Don Travis, District 3
Asuncion Caballero, a mother of two who moved from Mexico to the United States seven years ago, knows she can turn to Elizabeth Davis-Mintun when she runs into a problem.Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Study: Youth drug, alcohol use falling
Drop among Hoosier students is one of largest ever reported
August 2, 2005
By Tim Evans, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Don Travis, District 3

Drug and alcohol use by Indiana middle school and high school students continues to decline, according to a survey released Monday. Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Probation officer shot in Phoenix; remains in serious, but stable
condition
August 4, 2005

A man suspected of shooting two law enforcement officers Wednesday and then fleeing with a little girl later killed himself, police said.

Joseph Anthony Spano, 25, shot himself in the backyard of a home near where authorities discovered the car that Spano had used to escape after the officers’ shooting, said Lt. Dave Harvey of the Phoenix Police Department. Click here for more at the KVOA-TV Tucson..

Teen deaths spur curfew crackdown
Indianapolis police will begin aggressively enforcing law on kids under 18 to help curb violence
July 28, 2005
By Tom Spalding, John Strauss and Tania Lopez, IndyStar.com
Submitted to gopopai.org by Rebecca Schrock, District 5

Hoping to curtail a wave of late-night violence that has claimed the lives of several Indianapolis teens, police will begin aggressively enforcing the city’s curfew. Click here for more at IndyStar.com..

New law gives state more DNA
July 25, 2005
By BRYAN CORBIN Courier & Press staff writer
Submitted to Gopopai.org by Cherie Wood, District 8

A new state law could have a big effect on people convicted of felony nonsupport, forging checks, driving drunk or selling marijuana.

Indiana law now will treat those felony offenders in the same way it treats murderers, rapists and child molesters in one key respect: They will have to give blood samples so their DNA profiles can be added to a database for future comparisons.
Click here for more…

Anti-aggression program to debut in local schools
Training that focuses on anger control, moral reasoning has low recidivism rate
July 18, 2005
By Bethany Nolan
Submitted to Gopopai.org by Linda Brady, District 8

A juvenile program implemented last year by the Monroe County Probation Department will likely find its way into the halls of the Monroe County Community School Corp. this year.
Aggression replacement training, or ART, has been shown to reduce aggressive behaviors in adolescents and reduce recidivism.
Click here for more…

Local attorney receives award
June 30, 2005
By MELANIE D. HAYES
Submitted by Katherine Holtzleiter, District 4

For local attorney Steve Smith, helping kids as a juvenile public defender is rewarding enough when he sees the kids reform themselves and succeed in life.

But Smith is being rewarded in another way — with the Gault Award. Click here for more…

OBITUARY
June 24, 2005
Ruth G. White
Nov. 26, 1932-May 26, 2005
Ruth G. White, 72, Covington, died Thursday in her residence.
Mrs. White was chief probation officer for Fountain County for 23 years before retiring in 1998. She was previously employed at Eli Lilly and RR Donnelly.
Click here for more…

Taking a Different Tack
June 21, 2005
By CHERYL CARMIN SHAVER, Logansport Pharos-Tribune lifestyle writer
Submitted to Gopopai.org by Bill Wakeland, District 1
With the local jail population soaring and the wide diversity of crimes being committed, the Cass County court system and Probation Departments are using alternative sentencing more as a tool for rehabilitation and accountability.
Click here for more…

Doctor gets 6 years for billing scam
Physician, who has been stripped of his license, overcharged insurance companies by $200,000
June 16, 2005
By Tom Spalding, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Susan Rice

Dr. Thomas Hoshour, a recovering alcoholic, saved countless people from similar problems through his substance abuse clinic.

Then he stopped practicing what he preached.

"I had a problem and knew it was escalating. But I was too ashamed to ask for help," Hoshour, 60, Indianapolis, said at his sentencing hearing Wednesday in Marion Superior Court..Click here for more at IndyStar.com

Program helps convicts come clean
Re-entry Court supervises former prisoners, giving them the tools to adjust to life on outside.
June 4, 2005
By Vic Ryckaert, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Rebecca Schrock, District 5

Freddie Harrison, a recovering addict just out of prison for dealing cocaine, uses poetry to describe his battle to stay sober.

It started as a small monkey that jump on my back sometimes. But it grew into a full grown silver back gorilla that beats on my chest, uncontrollable…Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Juvenile crime innovations save money and children
June 6, 2005
Bill Stanczykiewicz, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Don Travis, District 3

Juvenile delinquency cases are on the rise, and so is public spending on juvenile offenders. But several Indiana communities are proving there is another way. Yes, you can produce less juvenile crime by spending less money.Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

How To Keep Ex-Cons At Home
June 8, 2005
CBS News
Submitted by Matt Taylor, GOPOPAI Webmaster

Tonight, there are more than 2 million Americans locked up in jails and prisons, including 1 out of every 75 men. The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world, surpassing places like Russia and China. Why the population explosion? Well, one reason is that 52 percent of all prisoners who are released end up going back to prison.Click here for more at CBSNews.com…

Union Co. Probation Dept. moves
June 3, 2005
Submitted by Donald Isaac, CPO, Union County Probation
The Union County Courthouse will be officially closed for renovations June 20, 2005. The Union County Probation Deparment will be moving from the third floor of the courthouse to the Huntington building across the street from the front of the Courthouse located on Union St., Liberty, Indiana. Other county offices will be relocated in other locations. The renovation project will hopefully be completed within eighteen months.

Teen’s rant at cop: profane, but free speech
Appeals court overturns disorderly-conduct conviction
May 28, 2005
By Richard D. Walton, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Don Travis, District 3
 
A 15-year-old boy who shouted profanities at a police officer during an investigation was exercising his right to free speech, the Indiana Court of Appeals has found.Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Work-release changes explored
By BRYAN CORBIN Courier & Press staff writer
April 28, 2005
Submitted by Cherie Wood, District 8

In the aftermath of last week’s triple-murder-suicide by a man on work-release, the sheriff and three judges met Wednesday about possible changes to Vanderburgh County’s community corrections program.Click here for more…

Convicts get free Viagra
May 24, 2005
Submitted by Danyel Wagner, District 2

The US government is under pressure to change a law which allows convicted sex offenders to receive Viagra for free.

Nearly 200 prisoners were reportedly given the impotence drug between January and March 2000 from a state-funded programme.Click here for the full story at SkyNews…Washington County CPO dies
May 25, 2005
Submitted by Teresa Mays and Dan Beto
Ernest H. Gravatt, Chief Probation Officer in Washington County, died Tuesday May 24, 2005, following heart bypass surgery. A former teacher and businessman, Ernie had served as Chief Probation Officer for more than two decades.
Click here for more…

Supreme Court rules on warantless searches
Article Written by Stanley E. Adelman, J.D. in Perspectives the journal of the American Probation and Parole Association, Summer 2002
Submitted to gopopai.org by Rebecca Schrock, District 5

The United States Supreme Court has recently upheld the constitutionality of a warrantless search of a probationer’s apartment by a police detective, where the search was based on the detective’s "reasonable suspicion” that the probationer was engaging in criminal activity. In U.S. v. Knights, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that probationers do not enjoy the same degree of constitutional protection against searches or seizures that other citizens do. Click here for more…

Montgomery Co. P.O. to retire
Janet Campbell of Montgomery County Probation will be retiring May 31, 2005 after 24 years as a Probation Officer. There will be a retirement party on June 4, 2005 from 2-4 pm at the Lutheran Church in Crawfordsville. The directions are to Crawfordsville, then go 231 S to 47 S. Go past Pizza Hut, church is on the north side. Any questions, contact Mary at 765-364-7261

Jennings Co. targets wanted probationers
May 3, 2005
by Cory Walker, Jennings County Superior Court Probation Department

For the past several weeks, I have been putting pictures of wanted probationers in Superior Court in the local newspaper "North Vernon Sun". It started out with Circuit Court Probation Officer Travis Shepherd who had raised the idea with me, in which I had thought of for a few months. Click here for more…

In Indiana, a suspended student can get the gavel
April 24, 2005
By Staci Hupp, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Don Travis, District 3 and Katherine Holtzleiter, District 4

When Jared Thomas was suspended from school for a fight in the gym, administrators sent the New Castle boy to a courtroom instead of his bedroom.

A judge in Henry County, about 30 miles east of Indianapolis, pounded the gavel and asked the flustered eighth-grader about his report cards. Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

IPS: No arrests for fighting
Other penalties ordered for kids in effort to ease load on youth justice system
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April 23, 2005
By Vic Ryckaert and Kim L. Hooper, IndyStar.com
Submitted by Don Travis, District 3

In a move to help relieve crowding in Marion County’s juvenile justice system, Indianapolis Public Schools officials have agreed to stop arresting unruly students.

Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Duncan Pat Pritchett has ordered principals and school police to find alternative punishment for students who fight with one another or scream at teachers.Click here for more at IndyStar.com…

Governor Signs Bills
April 25, 2005
by Bill Wakeland, District 1
Indiana Governor Daniels has recently signed three bills, Senate Bill 98, Senate Bill 101, and Senate Bill 175 which will have an impact on probation.Click here for more…

Indiana Steps Up Efforts to Treat Meth-Addicted Offenders
By Meghan Mandeville, News Research Reporter
Submitted by Cherie Wood, District 8
April 18, 2005
A clean lifestyle is freedom forever.

That is how the new therapeutic community – C.L.I.F.F. – at Indiana’s Miami Correctional Facility got its name. And that is also what the methamphetamine -addicted inmates who are living there will, hopefully, learn in less than a year’s time… Click here to continue

Court costs, cleanup crew cap off Little 500 weekend
About 270 people ordered to report for pretrial diversion
By Bethany Nolan, Herald-Times Staff Writer
Submitted by Linda Brady, District 7
April 18, 2005

Community Corrections Director Tom Rhodes stands in the bed of a truck shouting directions to about 200 students and other residents facing charges after the weekend’s partying. Punishment includes serving on cleanup crews around campus. Staff photo by Monty Howell
After only four hours of sleep, the idea sounded like a good one. Click here to continue

Trying to beat the drug test
You may think urine luck, but chances are urine trouble…
By Bethany Nolan, Bloomington Herald-Times Staff Writer
March 21, 2005
Tom Rhodes knew something was wrong as soon as he looked at the tiny cup.

As director of Monroe County’s community corrections program and assistant chief probation officer, he’s sometimes called upon to administer drug screenings of court-ordered offenders.Click here for the full story…

Supreme Court Puts an End to Juvenile Death Penalty
By Meghan Mandeville, News Research Reporter
March 16, 2005
For the nearly 70 people living on death row in this country who committed
their crimes as juveniles, execution is no longer a certainty. Last week,
the Supreme Court ruled that offenders must be at least 18 years of age when
they commit crimes in order to be eligible for thedeath penalty.
Click here for the full story…

Obituary:
Celissa Gay (Lisa) Masterson, 41
March 16, 2005
A Wells County Probation Officer from March 2001 to May 2004, Celissa Gay (Lisa) Masterson, 41, of rural Poneto, died at 6:34 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, at Bluffton Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Masterson moved to Wells County in 2001 and retired from the Probation Department in 2004 because of deteriorating health. She received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Texas and lived in Jacksonville, Texas, prior to 2001.
Click here for the full story…

New legislation affects probation
Visit the GOPOPAI Legislation Tracking page for the latest Indiana Senate and House bills affecting parole and probation.

Training offered in February
POPAI announces the 2005 Management Institute to be held February 21st and 22nd and the 2005 Chief Probation Officer Summit to be held February 23, 2005 at the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel, Keystone at the Crossing.  Both training opportunities are open to Chief Probation Officers, Assistant Chief Probation Officers, and Supervisor Officers and will provide opportunities for ongoing education in the areas of personnel and management related issues. 
 
Complete information regarding both training opportunities was mailed to all Chief Probation Officers the first week of January.  A summary of the information and additional registration forms are available in PDF and Microsoft Word format by clicking on the following links:

2005 POPAI Management Institute (113k PDF)
2005 POPAI Management Institute (MSWord)

2005 Chief Probation Officer Summit (103k PDF)
2005 Chief Probation Officer Summit (MSWord)

Clothes for Clients
Submitted by Jennifer Outlaw
January 13, 2005
On Thursday, December 9, 2004, the first annual “Clothes for Clients” Clothing Drive was held at the Marion Superior Court South Probation Office, in Indianapolis, Indiana.Click here for more…2004 Conference Summary
November 23, 2004
The 2004 POPAI Fall Conference was held September 21st – 23rd at Pokagon State Park with over 180 probation staff in attendance. POPAI President Eric Zimmerman welcomed participants and presented the 2004 Founders Award to Tim McAlhany, CPO from DeKalb County Probation. Click here for more…

Staff “Raise the Roof”
By Robert L. Bingham, Chief Probation Officer
November 9, 2004
Thirteen Marion County Adult Probation employees and an employee spouse took part on September 17, 2004, in an all day volunteer house-raising effort sponsored by Habitat for Humanity. Simply imagine an Amish barn-raising gone urban.
Click here for more…

Life Skills for Young Adults –Thinking Outside the Box
By Cathy Johnson and Jennifer Outlaw
Marion Superior Court Probation Department
November 9, 2004
Every casework officer knows the hardest population that we work with is our youthful offenders. They are oftentimes unemployed, under educated and of course now have criminal records. As a casework officer sometimes you must think “outside the box” to get these clients to succeed. This is where the program Life Skills for Young Adults can be a very useful tool.Click here for more…

NIC Anuual Issue:2004
October 28, 2004
"Assessment Issues for Managers" is The National Institute of Corrections Annual Issue 2004/Topics in Community Corrections. The report can be downloaded directly from the NIC Website (click here) The file is a 367kb PDF.

2005 Salary Schedule Revised
October 22, 2004
The Judicial Conference Board of Directors approved several changes/additions to the Minimum Salary Schedule..

Outstanding Service Award Winner
Kathleen Rusher was presented the Outstanding Service Award in Allen County…

Tim McAlhany receives 2004 Founder’s Award
Sept. 30, 2004
The 2004 Founder’s Award was presented to Tim McAlhany, DeKalb County Chief Probation Officer…

Justice Department Releases Correctional Statistics
WASHINGTON, D.C. –– The nation’s combined federal, state and local adult correctional population reached a new record of almost 6.9 million men and women in 2003, an increase of 130,700 people since December 31, 2002, the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) announced today. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY at the DOJ Website

Obituary for John R. Mueller
October 6, 2004
John R. Mueller, 62, of Evansville, passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2004, at his residence.

Awards Presented
June 2, 2004
The Probation Officers Advisory Board of the Judicial Conference of Indiana has awarded its “Order of Augustus” Award for 2004 to Monroe County Chief Probation Officer Linda Brady….

Sentencing Policy Study Committee
April 27, 2004
The Sentencing Policy Study Committee consists of the following fifteen members…

New Chiefs Attend Training
March 19, 2004
Twenty-two (22) newly or recently appointed Chief and Assistant Chief Probation Officers now have a greater grasp on leading their departments…

Chief Probation Officers’ Committee Formed
January 29, 2004
The 2003 POPAI board of directors created a new standing committee – the Chief Probation Officers Executive Committee…

Richard A. Baldwin, 63, of Greensburg
February 3, 2004
Richard A. Baldwin, 63, Greensburg, died at 7:45 p.m. Jan. 29 at his residence in Greensburg…