Indiana law requires release notices and police hiring record checks

The corrections department electronically notifies listed local officials before certain people are released or discharged. This covers serious violent felons and juveniles found delinquent for an offense that would be a serious violent felony. Officials include sheriffs, prosecutors, and police chiefs in the receiving county or municipality and where the offense occurred. The department also notifies registered crime victims through the automated victim notification system. Officials must be notified at least seven days before release on probation or parole, or discharge. The section takes effect July 1, 2026.

At sentencing, courts tell victims who are present about the state’s automated notice system. A victim may request updates on the progress of the criminal case. The case progress right applies to a victim in the criminal case. Prosecutors or victim assistance programs must inform victims in writing about the automated notice system. A court gives the system information only if the victim is present at sentencing. A victim must request case progress information. Courts give the system information at sentencing. Case progress information is provided upon request. These provisions take effect July 1, 2026.

Before hiring a law enforcement officer, a hiring agency requests the applicant’s work file and records about discipline or investigations from every law enforcement agency that employs or employed the applicant. This applies to hiring departments or agencies considering law enforcement officers, including police reserve officers, and to agencies that currently employ or previously employed the applicant. The request includes findings, orders, and the applicant’s employment file, but excludes medical records and information. The agency receiving the request must provide the applicant a copy of the information upon request. An agency acting in good faith is protected from civil and criminal liability for complying. The agency receiving a request must respond within ten business days. This provision takes effect July 1, 2026.