Peru, IN- Twenty-eight new troopers recently graduated from the 84th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy after completing a journey of 24 weeks of intense training. The recruits received over 600 hours of classroom instruction and nearly 400 hours of hands-on practical scenario-based training. Some training areas included criminal and traffic law, crash investigation, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms, de-escalation, impaired driving detection, scenario-based training, and other classes necessary for modern policing.
One of the troopers has been assigned to the Indiana State Police Peru Post and will begin three months of field training alongside several experienced field training officers. After completing this phase, the trooper will be issued their police car and start solo patrol on Indiana roads.
Dustin L. Smith, 35, is a native of Rochester, IN, and a 2006 graduate of Rochester High School. After high school, he worked as a heavy equipment operator. Smith’s first day to report to the Peru District will be January 2, and he will primarily patrol Cass County.
Smith currently resides in Fulton County.
Individuals interested in a rewarding career as an Indiana State Trooper should go online at http://www.in.gov/isp/careers. This website will provide a detailed synopsis of the application process and career information about the Indiana State Police Department.'
