The Theft Accountability Program (TAP) is a one-time class offered by the Elkhart City Probation Department to offenders charged or convicted of theft, check deception, conversion, fraud, or receiving stolen property.  The TAP format consists of a PowerPoint presentation, short videos, and engaging discussion based on the following topics:

·        The legal definition of theft.

·        Camera surveillance in the 21st century and the improvement of technology.

·        The financial repercussions of theft.

·        The underlining issues that trigger the impulse to steal.

·        Understanding how anger and depression influence behavior such as kleptomania.

·        The expungement process for Indiana.

·        The importance of honesty when filling out job applications.

·        The financial repercussions of theft.

·        The consumer effect due to shoplifting.

In many cases, shoplifters and thieves get away with stealing many times before they are eventually caught.  If they continue stealing without consequences, it can easily become an addiction.  Statistically, $13 billion in merchandise is stolen from retail stores every year in the United States.  This equates to $35 million per day.  TAP provides a non-judgmental environment for our clients to discuss the topic of shoplifting and theft with the goal of providing support and deterring future instances.

The Theft Accountability Program accepts referrals from all local City and county courts, Community Corrections, and attorneys.  This is a referral-only program with classes held on the last Wednesday of each month.  Participants pay a one-time fee of $50.00 for the class.