Probation Department gives report for 2005
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

The Ripley County Probation Department kept a busy schedule last year as they received 535 new adult cases and 171 juvenile referrals from both Circuit and Superior Courts.

Chief Probation Officer Shannon Schmaltz noted that his department, the courts and other officials that are involved in the probation process, work well together. "We have a great working relationship that makes our job in probation easier," noted Schmaltz.

The probation department completed 110 pre-sentence investigations last year. These reports provide valuable information to both Circuit Court Judge Carl Taul and Superior Court Judge James Morris when making sentencing determinations. They are a thorough report on a defendant's criminal history causing perhaps a heavier sentence or it can work the other way should mitigating factors apply.

Probation office employees kept track of 2,427 scheduled appointments of probationers, not including walk-in contacts.

In 2005, the probation department collected $139,716.65 in adult fees and $25,358.95 in juvenile fees, bringing the total for the year to $165,075.60.

The department administered a total of 136 drug screens during 2005, which included both adult and juvenile cases. They also attempted to make 39 home visits for adults, with 17 contacts, finding four violations. This amount was up over the past two years.

The Adult Community Service Program operated on a bi-weekly basis last year with a total of 27 Saturdays being worked. According to information from Schmaltz, those participating consisted of medium to higher risk male offenders who had been sentenced in Superior and Circuit courts.

The community service included projects such as maintenance of abandoned cemeteries, trash pick-up along county highways and roads, clean-up after the Versailles Pumpkin Show, painting at the Ripley County Courthouse, and assistance for the Ripley County Highway Garage, local towns, volunteer groups and organizations in completing projects.

There were 64 offenders scheduled to work with 60 of those completing at least one day of work. Fifty-three of the offenders successfully completed the program, for a total of 1,213 hours worked.

The Adult Community Service Program was financed 100% by probation fees paid by adults who are placed on probation. The total cost for the program was $4,644.85, which included supplies, equipment, and salary for adult community service director.

The Juvenile Community Service Program saw 24 probationers scheduled to attend, with 21 completing with a total of 120 hours served.

There were seven juvenile probationers who had electronic monitoring by CDA. Probation officers made nine visits to probationer's homes.

There were three juvenile substance abuse education program sessions held with all of the 22 probationers scheduled to attend completing the program.

The Ripley County Probation officers maintain 24-hour a day, 7 days a week coverage to law enforcement requesting assistance. Last year they received 40 calls for assistance during non-business hours.

Ripley County Probation Officers attended various educational programs over the past year along with support staff as well.

There are several organizations that are considered working affiliates with the Ripley County Probation Department. They include: Southeastern Indiana Regional Probation Officer Roundtable, Ripley County Local Coordinating Counsel for the Prevention of Substance Abuse, Ripley - Ohio - Dearborn Juvenile Justice Committee, Indiana Systems of Care Advisory Board, Ripley County Interagency Information Sharing Network, Ripley County Child Protection Team, IV-E Waiver Special Funding Committee for Ripley County, Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana, Preventative After Care Program, and Indiana Probation Officer Advisory Board, where Schmaltz serves as education committee chairman.

Staff besides Schmaltz includes: William D. Belew, adult probation officer/adult community service coordinator; Fran T. Moore, juvenile probation officer; John J. Catalano, juvenile probation officer; Vicky A. Hensley, office manager; Shirla E. Jones, bookkeeper; Julie A. Gilland, juvenile secretary; Toni L. McDonald, receptionist; Kristy A. Sams, juvenile placement coordinator; and Mike Benjamin, juvenile community service coordinator.