Benton County Probation Department

			706 East 5th Street. Fowler, IN 47944. (765)-884-1236 / Phone (765)-884-2023 / Fax bcprobation@sbcglobal.net Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to Noon, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

*Michael L. May* Chief Probation Officer	*Marci Rosenbarger* Probation Officer		Bill Gaines Electronic Monitoring Coordinator		*Melissa Williams* Office Administrator

The responsibilities and functions of probation officers can be divided generally into three (3) major categories: services to the court, services to the probationer, and services to the Probation Department. These major categories are not mutually exclusive and independent; they are highly interrelated and supportive of one another in the administration of probation services. The various categories include the following types of services:

Indiana Probation Mission Statement
The mission of probation is to provide necessary services to the offender toward reducing criminal/delinquent behavior while balancing the needs and ensuring the safety of the community. Probation is a profession which requires fundamental knowledge of the law, sentencing alternatives, human services, and community protection

Indiana probation Vision Statement
To assist offenders living in Indiana to become productive, contributing members of society. To assist in improving the overall education and social responsibility of offenders living in Indiana which will promote community safety. To reduce recidivism of offenders by providing consequences for behavior as well as programming for offenders that encourages and facilitates law abiding behavior. To assure victims will be compensated and their needs and concerns are addressed. To promote probation staff safety through information, education, and training. To promote continuing education of probation staff in order to enhance services for offenders.

Implementation
Develop, coordinate, and implement a statewide plan to educate regarding probation services. Develop, coordinate, and implement or broker a range of community resources for offenders. Establish a range of procedures to hold offenders accountable for their behavior. Develop a system or procedure to collect and disburse restitution to victims. Notify and educate victims of their right.

Declaration of Principles
Probation personnel should exhibit a high regard for objectivity, protection of the public, and the reintegration of offenders. Being an integral part of the Criminal Justice System, Probation should perform its functions in cooperation with other components of the system while recognizing that it shares the same basic goal--reducing the incidents and impact of crime. Probation respects the inherent worth of offenders while recognizing their individual differences and their ability to change. The permanent rehabilitation of the probationer is a primary goal in every aspect of probation. Unfortunately, there are still times when either the rehabilitative goal and / or societal safety are best served by incarceration or alternative placement. The public should have the assurance that individual probation officers, in the course of completing their assignments from teh courts, formulate all assessments, conclusions, and directives by means of careful analysis and accurate information.

Services to the Court Investigation Reports Supervise probationers under court order Notification of non-compliance		Services to the Probationer Goal Setting Plan Development Plan Implementation Monitoring Supportive Brokering Advocacy		Services to the Department Record Keeping Data Collection Committee Work Public Relations Enforcement of policies and procedures
The Father of Probation in America - "Discovering Our Professional Roots" Terms and conditions of probation






The Probation Department is affiliated with the following organizations: American Probation Parole Association Indiana Drug Enforcement Association Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana American Correctional Association

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