INDIANAPOLIS (April 26, 2006) ? The Office of the Governor said today that Heather Bolejack, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), has been placed on paid administrative leave. The action has been taken at the recommendation of the Inspector General (IG), pending completion of an ongoing review by the IG.

The leave was effective April 25. Until the matter is resolved, the daily operations of the Criminal Justice Institute will be jointly overseen by Jason Barclay, special counsel to the governor for public safety and chairman of the board of trustees of the Criminal Justice Institute, and John von Arx, the chairman of the Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana.

?No one likes taking this kind of action, but public confidence can only be maintained by thorough and aggressive inquiry,? said Jane Jankowski, press secretary to the governor. ?This is why the governor urged creation of the Inspector General and supports his work, wherever it might lead.?

The Inspector General issues reports when the office?s work is complete.