[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6484769,"mediaKeyId","5578130-8d15176f405c406c0a598d76e457e9ed","parentId",5578130,"title","Forensic service agency earns full accreditation, warns of federal grant uncertainty for 2026 budget","audioSeconds",894,"startMs",6896000,"endMs",7790000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5578130-8d15176f405c406c0a598d76e457e9ed&start=6896&end=7790","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5578130-8d15176f405c406c0a598d76e457e9ed/thumbnail_6896000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6484769/Indianapolis-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Forensic-service-agency-earns-full-accreditation-warns-of-federal-grant-uncertainty-for-2026-budget","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484769-41917061a5ba819c0f94ed3d4e2e3967/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432687&Signature=FniESj4Vmms2XHsxA-gS41kuOiXjbsQGbQmyBCmxKef4LxepQKdfspd22ODieZfzBWZfKTmida0yHKo~l8oydQskQ-Ot104EQ5v5ZddBHw4YByPT-UZmDSKy6iLvCXfQ8W76HXa3j8TBX~UrZjPdV0dbup9ZKYEHSXE4y6WsQyZOqpUKkkhTTgM1DLYYaF8QivBlroopsyTkeBTrFfcaZWq1YBIBWG6vHvFcjbcQNY7Jk8xdkqHjivEt6oYUcHzZGBj7ZxlF8kqlV17OZ7vZzLazgMD9R1OXzK2eRZVPUed1uwqQOkyXe5uSIdTwE-kTm5Sws5NWWyhxramdjLVHfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Indianapolis, IN","date","2025-08-13T00:00:00Z","article","Richard Amberger, director of the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Service Agency, told the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee on Aug. 13, 2025, that the agency achieved full accreditation in 2025 with zero findings and received a national efficiency award, but cautioned that FY2026 operations rely substantially on federal grants that remain uncertain.

\"The agency completed full accreditation in 2025, which I'm pleased to announce resulted in 0 findings,\" Amberger said, noting the assessment evaluated the agency against nearly 200 international standards. The agency also received the Project Foresight Maximus Award for performance and efficiency.

Amberger and Chief Operating Officer Kyle Swalls summarized operational successes: the laboratory completed nearly 12,000 requests in the prior year and analyzed more than 62,000 forensic items; the agency consolidated operations into a new facility; and training and community-outreach programs were expanded. Staffing stood at 75 allocated positions with 71 filled as of Oct. 1, agency leaders said.

On the budget, Swalls reported a proposed 2026 budget of about $12.8 million that is slightly down from 2025, but cautioned that roughly 20% of the agency\u000budget comes from federal grants. \"If we do not receive federal funding at levels similar to the past, we may be forced to eliminate federally funded staff positions that work on sexual-assault and firearm cases,\" Swalls said. He also warned of potential shortfalls for routine supplies and instrument maintenance if grant awards are reduced.

Councilors questioned case backlogs, staffing and forensic evidence workflows. Amberger described ongoing efforts to reduce DNA and firearms backlogs through outsourcing, a laboratory reduction matrix, and targeted training; he said some sections (notably firearms in 2024) lost staff and are still rebuilding capacity. Both agency leaders urged the council to consider federal-grant timing when evaluating the agency's 2026 funding needs.

The agency did not request immediate county-level personnel reductions but cautioned that grant award decisions could require midyear adjustments if federal funds do not arrive at expected levels.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council of Indianapolis, IN - Public Safety & Criminal Justice Committee","oneSentenceSummary","The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Service Agency reported full international accreditation with zero findings, recognition for efficiency and a FY2026 budget that depends heavily on federal grants; leaders warned that award uncertainty could force cuts to grant-funded positions and supplies.","taxTitle","Indianapolis City, Marion County, Indiana","taxId",3627,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484774,"Marion County coroner outlines data modernization, social-worker supports and budget pressure for 2026",2248,4604000,6852000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5578130-8d15176f405c406c0a598d76e457e9ed&start=4604&end=6852","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5578130-8d15176f405c406c0a598d76e457e9ed/thumbnail_4604000.jpg","/articles/6484774/Indianapolis-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Marion-County-coroner-outlines-data-modernization-social-worker-supports-and-budget-pressure-for-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484774-2cf9062af2f0a9f1b422bdc86090ce59/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432687&Signature=WgxjZSCUuyM0sB94RK3Hd408LYmbEe6JwcDG1K1uTOU5ExsXM2ZKrx0ZucqvJde6j6iaHrlNC~e9fO2SkKf~m8MmEpmho-wb-YUyTxA93oR~gCT06ErvitV4FE-f~lkJE0aiv7QYmLKz1xy4HpCU979ORsNte5UK5Ml-eiJPYXSHhe8-H4fzkMVFbfl-lyBW7TfDaqtzYJU87dFsw8DBWXFkWns~3Q3ezrsomNvLPSQ-MHrgaXJt0DXNQqRYJklja6wGFKWlKLxlJzMv9xHpVqpDGoRlNGKETPBnRLkvHHf9fH0Oy9IxPkspEYt-9bT06OrVDBXilunBEwRnKyFxbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Alfie McGinty, Marion County Coroner, told the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee on Aug. 13, 2025, that the office has advanced a data modernization program, added social workers and family advocates funded in part by opioid-settlement dollars, and is preparing for budgetary pressure in 2026.

\"We have now become 1 of the leading agencies among corners and medical examiners to do this type of work,\" McGinty said, referring to a recent case-management modernization carried out in partnership with county information services. He said the upgrades have shortened turnaround time for death certificates and improved data-sharing with state partners.

McGinty told councilors the coroner's overall FY2026 request included a projected reduction of about $228,000, a 3% decrease in the county general fund portion, and that uncontrolled operational accounts would see deeper cuts to offset cost increases in COLA and health insurance. He flagged a $354,000 reduction in some uncontrolled operational budgets and noted that forensic-pathologist (autopsy) services account for a substantial portion of operational costs.

On homicide and overdose trends, McGinty reported two consecutive years of decreases in overdose deaths but warned that child fatality gunshot incidents continue to occur. He said the office is distributing gun locks and storage boxes to help prevent accidental access by children: \"We are now working in our community to distribute gun boxes and gun locks so that families have access to those resources to prevent those deaths from occurring.\"

McGinty also described efforts to recoup pathology fees when decedents are investigated in Marion County but originate from other counties, saying the office is being more diligent about charging other county coroners for autopsies performed in Marion County hospitals. He said increased records-request fees and improved billing for pathology work are expected to raise revenue.

Regarding forensic staffing, McGinty said autopsies are performed by contracted forensic pathologists and that the office uses locum pathologists in part because of a national shortage. \"We end up paying a little bit more for locums but we have no choice because of the shortage of forensic pathologists,\" he said. He warned that if death investigations spike or grant support falls, the office may need to return to the council for additional funding.

Coroner staff asked councilors to note the operational uncertainty tied to grant funding, equipment replacement and vehicle needs; the presentation closed with offers to provide follow-up detail on grant amounts and program continuity.","Coroner Alfie McGinty told the council the office has modernized case management, uses opioid settlement funds for family advocates and faces a projected 3% county-general reduction for 2026 while autopsy and forensic-pathologist costs remain uncertain.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484779,"Marion Circuit Court reports surge in name and gender-change filings, holds steady on staffing",873,3492000,4365000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5578130-8d15176f405c406c0a598d76e457e9ed&start=3492&end=4365","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5578130-8d15176f405c406c0a598d76e457e9ed/thumbnail_3492000.jpg","/articles/6484779/Indianapolis-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Marion-Circuit-Court-reports-surge-in-name-and-gender-change-filings-holds-steady-on-staffing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484779-6c29f07a9237fe658b65b69585f8e2d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432687&Signature=mxkLeJzgv-CbCFEysiFQlPJniPkDOF0wzhDKzbPBN2kOm-fLQCARopdm7o9cimKdaQUaaVNEFEiW9XW0DNhAWc8zh8xCRagKT3BqtptyAWcCuPVBhv2aj~wDL--Jz~PudfOy351qUA-hRo0lB9WcHmatLDxIszZ~WIgPnBgjOcv-aROtdpjRbOCmnwXhnFDuzTlvSPufCgre~fnC6su-Hiv~HucgIaxXGes0xtsLTcMrm2o1cPkIlu-LaAaiW3FZpy~~SrRP7ib9o44PyvecYFMaPC0zZudiA2z~kPlpVb2H2Y8qJFWCK1vwXsrJNRM-jpgsR2jVeMJwI6zErtSEjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Amber Collins, presiding judge of Marion Circuit Court, told the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee on Aug. 13, 2025, that the court is seeing an exceptional increase in name and gender-change petitions and is absorbing additional caseload with existing staff.

\"In 2023, there were 483 total cases of that type filed in Marion County. In 2025, we've already between January 1 and May 31 of this year, we had over 508,\" Judge Amber Collins said during the presentation, noting the court projects more than 1,000 such filings for the year. Many of those petitions are filed by self-represented litigants; the court funds a navigator at the Legal Help Center to assist.

Collins described the court's Title 4(d) child support enforcement docket and a civil division that hears about 8.5% of general civil cases in Marion County, including quiet-title and correction of birth-certificate matters. The circuit court\u000budget for 2026 was presented as $1,307,135 total, a modest decrease from the prior year, and the court described priorities to expand community outreach to youth and to add staff if civil collection workloads continue to increase.

Councilors asked about filing fees and waivers; Collins said filing fees in civil cases are subject to petition for waiver and that low-income filers on TANF or Medicaid typically receive waivers. The court also highlighted its outreach programs that bring mock trials and court tours to schools to familiarize youth with the justice system.

No formal funding action was taken; the circuit court said it will monitor caseload trends and may return with additional staffing requests if workload increases persist.","Marion Circuit Court reported a sharp rise in name and gender-change petitions and described FY2026 budget needs focused on maintaining staffing, navigator help for self-represented litigants and outreach to youth.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484784,"Marion Superior Court outlines FY2026 budget, highlights Family & Youth Intervention Center and expansion of legal kiosks",2988,450000,3438000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5578130-8d15176f405c406c0a598d76e457e9ed&start=450&end=3438","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5578130-8d15176f405c406c0a598d76e457e9ed/thumbnail_450000.jpg","/articles/6484784/Indianapolis-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Marion-Superior-Court-outlines-FY2026-budget-highlights-Family-Youth-Intervention-Center-and-expansion-of-legal-kiosks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484784-6ca0c69951f4462c5962f7f5a0652d03/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432687&Signature=CGhNGNCHwbVv7Zy45cH0-CSeY265Y-VsBAZGapgxmAzHec3zrJSD~JPTVF-DhPEoUgymhIgFDMKED7rxOWr44cHMm2UD8b7BprzaBtNomk2Fb4T2NnC2TDRrSvHPMHy4ipLKsOZ7maQi-ZNylFiEsbjdjQIYsDnf~01cV80j7QUzxggPEZ-pS~ld~ldsT2rrav8nep0~pkqCMSDurjQL~89p27NZu8VMD6Mqt9tQ0VgPn6iuoStSNyK7ZmyVqdMYoQnkERA-aMRlA9p6VAguKAia-omo-RGIWHCXwjC1y1Xhm6sgEzIhhUkx3wIztqI~jjk86lzaSVGv19SiVHHctw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marc Rothenberg, presiding judge of Marion Superior Court, told the committee on Aug. 13, 2025, that Superior Court is not requesting a general increase from the county but has seen grant-funded budget changes tied to new programs including the Family and Youth Intervention Center at 20 Fifth and Keystone.

\"Since opening in June 2022, 34,000 visits have been clocked,\" Judge Rothenberg said of the court
ffiliated Legal Resource Center, which offers self-represented litigants research assistance and navigators.

Rothenberg said the court's reported $698,000 increase in one budget character was largely driven by grant funding rather than a county request, and pointed to a $1,663,000 grant increase attached to the Family and Youth Intervention Center. He told councilors that some state grants supporting problem-solving courts were reduced by about 13% and that the court was seeking innovative ways to maintain services.

Councilors asked specific operational questions. Councilor Dan Boos inquired about eviction dockets and whether evictions were being funneled to a single court; Rothenberg explained eviction cases may be filed in small claims or superior court and said Superior Court Judge McMath handles a centralized eviction docket, though small-claims filings also occur. On legal kiosks used for probation reporting and self-service functions, Chief Kroll (probation) said her goal is to place a kiosk in every township but noted a recurring vendor cost: \"If I can come up with about $14,000 a year, I can put 1 everywhere. It's a matter of about $15.75 dollars starting next year per kiosk per month,\" she said, and added that townships provide power and internet while the court covers kiosk costs.

On community service work, the court reported about 3,500 community service hours last year and ongoing monitoring by a designated staffer. Councilors raised concerns about year-to-year fluctuation in community service hours and potential needs for additional staff if volumes increase.

Rothenberg and court administrators also described indigency processes used to determine whether defendants should be assessed fees, noting a recent state appellate decision requiring indigency hearings to determine whether bond payments could be used to satisfy court costs. \"Even if there is a bond paid, the court has to have an indigency hearing and determine whether someone is indigent,\" Rothenberg said.

Court staff offered to provide more detailed program and grant breakdowns to the council's fiscal members and encouraged councilors to visit the Family and Youth Intervention Center to see services and partnerships funded in part by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and other grants.

No formal action or vote on funding was taken at the committee meeting; the presentation was for review and follow-up information was requested by council members.","Marion Superior Court presenters described a largely flat funding request for county support, explained a larger grant-driven increase tied to the new Family & Youth Intervention Center and discussed legal kiosks, community service work and impacts from grant cuts.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484789,"Marion County sheriff—iles quarterly commissary report; council questions recurring rental charge",133,236000,369000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5578130-8d15176f405c406c0a598d76e457e9ed&start=236&end=369","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5578130-8d15176f405c406c0a598d76e457e9ed/thumbnail_236000.jpg","/articles/6484789/Indianapolis-City/Marion-County/Indiana/Marion-County-sheriffiles-quarterly-commissary-report-council-questions-recurring-rental-charge","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484789-7019e0e67c568983e4c906fef6f5b261/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432687&Signature=biIAuqi6JvvIJLEIrL6rK4YW0ULf3-~0cms0BPGT4hANlf~d3p1-8poDRdFZjNUsACwQZsdX5x0nGHopVNUz0q6pYAryKvUGUoYxQb6ctUnbR1UcmvrsYdKi9NUFrAbTwcQtRrpc9QrSjcj8D16Q5vMEQYErp7fENRM4IGTV~aYCvecXRw7X-xfrUDYDLJMLBQdXtjPNbGtBdaIw8U-M5tAJ3GBDmhAQCTL0uNDTwjchJXrvduF8Jlpc9kfqzMYpPRnJuXq0OSm2Q3Tc0JrKUCdmq7WmCEi-yv3cbdHxfJrEKsiBu1ZUICRSZPRkPGay4UiwHd16NgOdl0uOVDF8tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Indianapolis City-County Council\fommittee on public safety accepted the Marion County Sheriff\fommissary Fund quarterly report during its meeting on Aug. 13, 2025, after a brief presentation by a deputy chief for the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

The report, submitted under Indiana Code 36-8-10-21 and in compliance with a new state law changing filing frequency to quarterly effective July 1, 2025, was delivered on behalf of Sheriff Carrie Forstall, the deputy chief said. \"This new statute changes the frequency of the commissary report filings from semi annually to quarterly, effective 07/01/2025,\" the deputy chief told the committee.

Committee members reviewed attachments in the meeting packet and asked follow-up questions. Councilor Michael Paul Hart asked about a recurring cash disbursement listed to \"Gasoline Alley, LLC\" for $1,500 per month and what the charge covered. The deputy chief replied, \"That is a garage where the Marion County Sheriff's Office keeps, our 2 Polaris', our ATVs that we use, our bicycles that we use, and our motorcycles.\" That explanation satisfied the councilor's question.

Council members also asked about the timing of report delivery to allow adequate review before hearings; staff said the new filing schedule requires quarterly submission and that the most recent packet was submitted in July, after the prior meeting. No formal vote to alter the report or to take further action was recorded during the discussion.

The report and related attachments remain on file with the council clerk and were included in the committee packet for the Aug. 13 meeting. The deputy chief and county staff directed council members to contact the sheriff's office with any additional questions.

The commissioner's quarterly filings will be posted with future committee materials as required by state law.","The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee received the Marion County Sheriff's Office commissary fund quarterly report and asked for clarification about a recurring $1,500 monthly rental fee for storage at \"Gasoline Alley, LLC.\"","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Forensic service agency earns full accreditation, warns of federal grant uncertainty for 2026 budget

Marion County coroner outlines data modernization, social-worker supports and budget pressure for 2026

Marion Circuit Court reports surge in name and gender-change filings, holds steady on staffing

Marion Superior Court outlines FY2026 budget, highlights Family & Youth Intervention Center and expansion of legal kiosks

Marion County sheriff—iles quarterly commissary report; council questions recurring rental charge