April Shepard-Jacko

I am dedicated to advancing my career by utilizing my extensive work experience and academic background to contribute meaningfully to the improvement of the criminal justice system within Indian Country. I would like to impart the valuable skills I have acquired to empower and educate others, ultimately striving towards the enhancement and reform of the legal landscape within Indian Country.

• LGBTQ+ (Nsetwadzëwen)
• Yearly Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Pow Wow
• 2019, 2022 and 2023 Potawatomi Gathering
• 2023 New Year’s Sobriety Pow Wow
• Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coordinating Council of Calhoun County
• The Coordinating Council of Battle Creek
• American Athletic Union Member

• Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, Tribal Court Probation Officer, 04/2016, Present, Implemented the Law Enforcement Information Network within Tribal Court (LEIN), Serve as the Terminal Access Coordinator (TAC) for LEIN, Serve as the Local Agency Security Officer (LASO) for LEIN, Manage warrants, personal protection orders, ensuring accurate records and compliance with legal procedures for both State of Michigan and Tribal Laws, Conduct report writing for Pre-Sentence Investigations and Incidents, laying foundations for authority with clear and concise facts, Testify as an expert witness, Collaborate with community partners and maintain local relationship to ensure cohesion while administrating cases, Establish relationship with Tribal Police, Prosecutor and Victim Services to create action plans to assist community members, Encourage and foster clients to embrace and seek out cultural resources, Supervise youth, establishing structure and compliance of Court Orders, Conduct risk assessments and implement plans according to the results, Intervention specialist, Assisting the Court with cases that do not fit the traditional role of Probation, providing specialized support tailored to specific cases., Develop alternative interventions specialized to case needs, Investigate referrals and complaints of violation of Court Orders, Advocate for the needs and rights of individuals involved in the justice system, Provide support networks to ensure there is access to resources and opportunities for success, Comprehensive report writing specific to intervention cases, Promote community engagement and participation in Cultural events
• Re-Entry Programming, Establish relationship with community partners to ensure a successful transition out of custody, Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of joint efforts, adjust and refine strategies as needed to meet the needs of individuals, Assist participants with obtaining driver’s licenses, identification, employment applications and resume building, Establish sustainable goals for participates
• Office of Community Corrections, Calhoun County Sherriff’s Department, Case Manager, 03/2006, 04/2016, Battle Creek, MI, Managed a case load with a 90% success rate, Prepare detailed reports to update Judges, court personnel and attorneys, Administered drug screens/preliminary breath tests, Investigated information that is given from internal and external sources, Performed audits and provide information to the State of MI, Assessed client’s needs based on a risk assessment and oral interview, Provided compliance updates to the courts, Coordinated with law enforcement among other outside entities, Supervised e staff as requested, Daily administrative functions, Assisted with grant writing and reporting
• Aramark, Kellogg Headquarters, Office Assistant, 02/2004, 03/2006, Battle Creek, MI, Maintain general office files and confidential documents, Daily input of data required for transmission, Provide support for the Director of Services, Daily use of computers and software, Main switchboard operator, Scheduling of appointments, Accounts payable and receivable