Becoming a Trooper, From Local Troopers

By: Corbin Lingenfelter, News Director

Local Sources- The Indiana State Police are looking to add more Troopers to its ranks.

Recruiting numbers for all law enforcement agencies across the state are lower than what they would like. The Indiana State Police-Jasper District recently added one new member to its district, Probationary Trooper Austin Collins.

Probationary Trooper Collins recently received his solo patrol assignment, which is Crawford County. Prior to ISP, he served with the French Lick Police Department and is a United State Marine Corp veteran. He wanted to be a trooper since high school.

“It’s a long process,” Probationary Trooper Collins said, “The hiring process you’ll go through a written test, interview, polygraph, physical, backgrounds, medical screenings. I could tell people if you don’t get it on your first try, don’t give up.”

Those who are interested and would like to see a version of a Trooper’s shift can do so through the ISP ride along program. Master Trooper (M/Trp.) Kurtis Blunk encourages everyone who is interested to do so.

“We want to get people in the cars with us and show what we do on a day to day basis,” said M/Trp. Blunk.

The requirements to be an Indiana State Police Trooper are:

No criminal background
At Least 21 years of age
A Valid License
Reside in the State of Indiana
Pass physical, oral, and written exams and testing

Officials also encourage flexibility when it comes to post locations, meaning willingness to work/reside anywhere in the state. Recently however, there has been a trend of Troopers returning to their home areas.

There are more benefits outside of pension and health plans like you would see in a typical 9-5.

“I don’t wanna say we’re prestigious,” said Master Trooper Jarrod Lents, “We do go through superior training, superior ongoing training throughout the year. We have so many hours of training and it's something to be proud of.”

Those interested can apply on the Indiana State Police website.