The Public Safety & Criminal Justice Committee of the City Council of Indianapolis convened on August 13, 2025, to discuss various updates and budgetary considerations related to community safety and probation services.

The meeting began with a review of the current budget, highlighting a benefit of approximately $25,000, which remains consistent with previous years. Chief Kroll, head of the probation department, was present to address inquiries regarding recent changes in community service laws that impact probationers.

A significant topic of discussion was the Probation Reporting Kiosk program, which allows probationers to check in at various locations throughout the city rather than traveling downtown. This initiative, launched prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, has proven to be cost-effective and efficient for both probationers and the department.

The committee also introduced the Family and Youth Intervention Center located at 20 Fifth and Keystone. This center serves as a respite for families and youth, offering resources such as a small library, medical services, and transportation assistance. The center collaborates with mental health partners to provide comprehensive support.

Budgetary discussions revealed a total increase of $698,000, primarily attributed to grant funding rather than an increase in requests from the county. Revenue for Marion County is generated through assessed fines and probation fees, although collection has faced challenges due to legal requirements for indigency hearings. These hearings assess an individual's financial status to determine their ability to pay fees.

The meeting also covered various grants received from the Indiana Department of Correction, which support programs such as the Drug Treatment Program and the Veterans Court Program. Additionally, funding from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute is allocated to the Family and Youth Intervention Center.

Overall, the committee's discussions emphasized a commitment to maintaining a flat budget while enhancing services through grant funding and community programs. The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of continued support for these initiatives to improve public safety and justice in Indianapolis.