On behalf of all Public Safety organizations and First Responders, the Indiana State Policeexpress our combined thanks and appreciation to Governor Holcomb for declaring in Indiana the week of April 14 – 20, 2019 as “Public Safety Telecommunicator Week”

In 1991 Congress proclaimed the second full week in April to be National Public Safety Telecommunications Week to recognize the importance of those special individuals who coordinate the efforts of police, fire, and EMS workers. Governor Eric J. Holcomb has proclaimed the week of April 14-20, 2019 as Public Safety Telecommunications Week in Indiana. Indiana has recognized this week since 1999.

Telecommunications operators are the unsung heroes of public safety. They operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These are the men and women who collect the initial information and pass it along to the first responders in the field. Often they are able to give immediate lifesaving directions to the caller during medical emergencies or can be the calming voice to reassure the victim of a violent crime that help is on the way.

All Indiana State Police Telecommunications Operators must pass a written test, a typing test, appear before an interview board, and go through a background investigation before being hired. Once employed they must endure several weeks of training and continuous in-service training throughout their careers to maintain certifications on the latest communications technology and procedures.

Telecommunications Operators working from Regional Dispatch Center III at the Bloomington State Police Post, are responsible for dispatching troopers working in 19 counties across central Indiana that include the Bloomington, Jasper and Evansville Posts.

A huge thanks to all the dispatchers and supervisory staff at the Bloomington Regional Dispatch Center for all you do!

Region III Telecommunications Operators;

Regional Manager – Kathryn Haley

Regional Shift Supervisor – Leesa Slover

Regional Shift Supervisor – Paula Summitt

Regional Shift Supervisor – Bryce Viehweg

Regional Dispatcher – Paul “Doug” Brassine

Regional Dispatcher – Lloyd “Scott” Wilkerson

Regional Dispatcher – Tonya Beck

Regional Dispatcher – Tracy Young

Regional Dispatcher – Hunter Sanders

Regional Dispatcher – Mitchell McKinney

Regional Dispatcher – Taylor Howell

Regional Dispatcher – Tyler Williams

Regional Dispatcher – Bailey Fears

Regional Dispatcher – Andrew Thompson

Regional Dispatcher – Shelby Brown

Following an autopsy on April 15^th, the victim has been identified as a 17 year-old juvenile from Louisville, KY. 

The victim was reported missing last month.  No foul play is suspected.  

The Louisville Fire Department recovered the body of an unidentified male shortly before 6:00 p.m., on April 12 near the New Albany Amphitheater on April 12.

Assisting agencies at the scene included the New Albany Fire Department, New Albany Police Department, Louisville Fire Department, Floyd County EMS, and the Floyd County Coroner’s Office. 

On March 28, 2019 an investigation began after an overdose occurred in Scott County. A thorough investigation and assistance from the Scott County Prosecutor’s Office led to an arrest warrant for Harold “Matt” Kemp, 45, of Scottsburg.  

Kemp has been charged with the following, DEALING SCHEDULE I, II, III CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – AT LEAST ONE GRAM LT FIVE, POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, and MAINTAINING A COMMON NUISANCE.

Sheriff Goodin wants the community to know this is the second recent arrest involving overdoses in Scott County. These types of investigations will continue to ensure a drug free community.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office received several tips of alleged illegal drug activity taking place at a local national chain fast food restaurant in Scottsburg.

After receiving this information Deputies Joe Baker, Darin Marshall and Phil Thomas were assigned to begin surveillance on the restaurant.

After conducting a traffic stop, Deputy Baker, along with deputies Marshall and Thomas went to the restaurant.

After the investigation was complete at the restaurant, Deputy Baker arrested Linda Smith, 32, of Scottsburg for Possessing a Schedule I, II, III or IV Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Syringe, False Informing, Trafficking with an Inmate, Maintaining a Common Nuisance and Possession of Paraphernalia.

Also arrested away from the restaurant was James Smith, 28, of Austin, for Possession of a Schedule I, II, III or IV Controlled Substance, Maintaining a Common Nuisance and Driving While Suspended, Prior.

The restaurant is currently closed and is cooperating with the Scott County Health Department.

All information regarding the restaurant should be directed to the Scott County Health Department at 812-752-8455.