Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Increasing support for our law enforcement and addressing mental health concerns will help Indiana better prevent violent crime and keep our communities safe.
As the state's leading law-enforcement agency, the Indiana State Police (ISP) offers assistance to nearly every law enforcement agency across the state. Yet, state troopers are among the lowest paid Indiana law enforcement officers. This is why the state's new budget allocates $95.3 million to increase base pay for ISP troopers.
Often, inmates in our local jails are suffering from mental health and addiction. To help prevent overcrowding in jails, the General Assembly passed a new law that establishes a process for Indiana's justice system to refer arrestees to mental health treatment and help address the root issues of crime. The 2024-25 state budget also allocates $10 million for regional mental health facility grants to expand mental health resources to help incarcerated individuals receive the help they need.
The new budget also appropriates $60 million for juvenile justice initiatives outlined in a new law to help children who have struggled with the law receive the support and rehabilitation they need to get their lives back on track.
As a leader in the Midwest, Indiana will continue to improve our justice system. By ensuring our ISP troopers are well-supported and expanding mental health resources for incarcerated individuals, we will strengthen our commitment to public safety across the state.
Click here for more information on the 2024-25 budget.
