Last month, Right On Crime Regional Director Scott E. Peyton attended the American Probation and Parole Association’s 49th Annual Training Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana. Peyton took part in a three-hour tour of the Assessment and Intervention Center (AIC) and the Marion Superior Court Probation Office.
This first-of-its-kind combination of facilities opened in 2020, successfully linking people in crisis to services. Peyton says he was impressed, and he witnessed many best practices that other communities could put into action.
“The AIC is a great resource for probation officers because it allows for mental health and/or substance abuse professionals to more accurately assess participants and in determining their needs and locating placement,” said Peyton. “From a law enforcement perspective, this is a great alternative and resource for individuals who may have been jailed following a mental health or substance abuse crisis. And for participants, it’s voluntary and free.”
Stays typically last 3-5 days with 60 beds for individuals in need. Unlike a treatment facility, homeless shelter, nursing facility or long-term housing solution, the AIC is basically a linkage hub making referrals to community resources. The AIC is funded by Marion County and operated by the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center.
The AIC supports Marion County’s probation mission of addressing root causes and supporting law enforcement by having resources available for individuals experiencing mental health and substance abuse issues that are not a threat to public safety. It’s also used as part of law enforcement’s alternative responses to calls that involve mental health or substance abuse. This is useful for law enforcement as the American Psychological Association estimates that at least 20% of police calls for service involve mental health and/or substance abuse issues.
In 2023, the AIC saw 3091 referrals in which 4.3% were criminal justice referrals and 49% were referred to a 28-day program. Approximately 23% self-exited the program.
As a former probation and parole officer, Peyton says he was also impressed by the Marion Superior Court Probation Office with its professional office setting, waiting room, interview rooms- all a dynamic fit with a welcoming rehabilitative model.
“I appreciated the excellent workspace for probation officers, featuring large open areas and private interview rooms,” said Peyton. “The location, right across the street from the Marion County Community Justice Campus and AIC, created a cohesive and efficient environment.”
With 232 employees, most are certified in risk and substance abuse, but it’s important to remember that Marion County probation officers are not law enforcement and they do not carry weapons. Annually, this group of dedicated officers supervise approximately 8,000 adults and 700 juveniles. A daily estimate is that they process 400 cases every day and prepare pre-sentence investigations.
Peyton noted many best practices which he will share with colleagues at Right On Crime and criminal justice thought leaders around the nation. Peyton appreciated the tour facilitated by the American Probation and Parole Association, and meeting the people underscored their admirable mission statement: “To enhance community safety through enforcement of court orders while striving to empower individuals to change lives.”