To the Officials of Tippecanoe County, the Courts, Community Corrections Administration, and Elected Representatives:

We, the undersigned residents and concerned community members, respectfully call for immediate review and reform of policies and practices related to the enforcement of community corrections fees against indigent individuals in Tippecanoe County.

Many individuals under supervision face severe financial hardship, including unemployment, disability, housing instability, and inability to meet basic living expenses. Despite these circumstances, people report being threatened with incarceration, sanctions, or violations because they cannot afford supervision-related fees.

No person should face punishment solely because of poverty.

The United States Supreme Court has recognized constitutional protections requiring meaningful consideration of a person’s ability to pay before incarceration or punitive sanctions are imposed for nonpayment. Fair treatment, due process, and equal protection must apply to all individuals regardless of financial status.

We urge county officials and supervising agencies to adopt and enforce policies that:

Require meaningful ability-to-pay determinations before sanctions are imposed for nonpayment;
Prohibit incarceration or punitive action based solely on indigency;
Expand alternatives for individuals experiencing financial hardship, including fee waivers, reductions, payment plans, or community service options;
Increase transparency and accountability regarding fee enforcement practices;
Ensure all supervised individuals are informed of their rights regarding indigency and ability-to-pay hearings;
Preserve dignity, fairness, and constitutional protections for all members of the community.
This petition is not intended to undermine accountability or lawful supervision. Rather, it seeks to ensure that poverty itself is not treated as a punishable offense.

We ask county officials, community corrections leadership, judges, and policymakers to publicly review these concerns and work toward reforms that are lawful, fair, and humane.

Signed,

Name: ______________________

Signature: ___________________

Date: _______________________

City/State: __________________