At the same time, Christian recognizes that for many of the problems encountered by the police and the district attorney, incarceration is an unnecessary expense to taxpayers, and worse, socially destructive, as when a family breadwinner loses a job. Instead, he has helped create a DUI court, a court for alternative treatment of mental illness, a drug court and a diversion program. He is active both in the operation of these programs and in community outreach and education to let the community know where to get help and support for crime-related problems, and to generate community involvement in public safety and outreach programs.

In sum, I have known and respected many prosecutors. Christian Champagne stands out for his hard work and dedication, for his accessibility, for his care and support for crime victims and safety, for his community education efforts, and for his creative energy on programs that helps restore people to the community in ways that work where incarceration doesn’t. He cares.

Hal Pepinsky

Worthington, Ind.