INDIANAPOLIS — Det. Nathan Schmidt is the 2017 recipient of the 34th annual Ruthann Popcheff Memorial Award presented by the IMPD Victim Assistance Unit. The award is given to an officer who goes out of his/her way to treat victims with dignity, compassion, and respect. Officers nominated for this award have gone beyond the normal call of duty to provide exceptional services to victims of crime. This year six officers were nominated for the award which is presented during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 2 – 8.
• Det. Nathan Schmidt
• Det. Scott Scheid
• Det. Brian Schemenaur
• Officer David Carney
• Officer Michael Price
• Officer Eric Reidenbach
The award is named for Ruthann Popcheff, the first civilian supervisor of the Victim Assistance Unit. Popcheff passed away suddenly in the ‘80s and the award was renamed in her honor. Popcheff’s son, Greg Popcheff, is an officer with the IMPD.
The IMPD Victims Assistance Unit provides help to victims of crime through a 24-hour hotline and crisis intervention unit. The number is 317-327-3331. It was the first 24-hour on-call crisis intervention unit within a U.S. law enforcement agency, starting on August 4, 1975. Created in response to a growing public concern for victims of crime, the Victim Assistance Unit continues to provide a critical service for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
The unit responds to cases of robbery, homicide, domestiv violence, sex offences, and much more. They provide on-scene crisis intervention, emotional support to victims and their families during and after a crisis, provide referrals to support groups that can provide shelter and medical assistance, and help victims understand the criminal justice system. They also help file Violent Crime Compensation forms. The unit welcomes volunteers who can assist staff in contacting victims and providing emotional support.
Nominations for the award come from staff members of the Victim Assistance Unit.
In addition to a plaque, Schmidt – a 10-year veteran of the department — received a pin designed by former honoree, Capt. David Hensley, that has been approved to be worn on the IMPD uniform. All nominees receive a certificate.
