The Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana (POPAI) Executive Board has concerns the minimum salary schedule for probation officers has not changed since adopted in its current form on September 10, 2002. Though slight cost of living adjustments have occurred in the years since its adoption, frequently these increases have not permitted the schedule to keep pace with inflation and other professions that also require a bachelor’s degree to perform.
Though we had received feedback from a few chief probation officers in previous years regarding the slow pace of adjustments to the salary schedule, there has been a greater call to look at the schedule more recently. From October 19 to November 4, 2021, POPAI conducted a survey of chief probation officers in Indiana regarding the Minimum Salary Scheduled for Probation Officers. A link to the survey was emailed to every chief probation officer in every jurisdiction across the state, including city and town court chief probation officers. Our overall response rate from the survey was 85% and responses were received from at least one chief probation officer in 87 of the 92 counties.
The following document presents the results of this survey and recommended changes to the salary schedule being proposed by the POPAI Executive Board. A new survey of chief probation officers is being conducted to learn their thoughts on the recommended changes and to receive additional feedback on the salary schedule.
After receiving the results of the new survey of chiefs and after receiving feedback from our membership, the POPAI Executive Board will review all of the information received and may alter our proposed recommendations. The proposal will be updated and provided to the membership when completed. After completion, we plan to approach the Probation Officers Advisory Board, Indiana Office of Court Services, and the Judicial Conference with our recommendations and hope to gain their support. We will keep our membership informed of our activities.
As you read through the document, please feel free to contact any member of the POPAI Executive Board with questions or comments. You can also use our general email (ContactUsatPOPAI@gmail.com) and it will be forwarded to the Board. We appreciate hearing from our members about the work we are doing for you! Thank you for your support.