After months of ride-alongs, 46 state police probationary troopers received their very own Dodge Chargers on Tuesday.
The 75th Recruit Academy received its own cop cars at the Indiana State Police Youth Education and Historical Center in Indianapolis.
The recruits just finished up five months of academy training, followed by three months of field training with Indiana State Police troopers. Field training includes observing other troopers and riding around in their cars.
Watching the rookies drive their own cars for the first time is always an exciting day, ISP Sgt. John Perrine said.
“All of us veteran troopers remember that moment,” Perrine said. “It’s a feeling of both anxiety and pride when you pull out of that parking lot for the first time with no one in your car.”
This ISP recruit class includes 46 officers, but only 45 were present for Tuesday’s ceremony, since one member is an active member of the military and is currently serving, Perrine said.
Each of the Dodge Chargers now belongs to these recruits, until the car gives out or an officer is promoted to a newer vehicle, Perrine said. Previously assigned to other troopers, these Chargers have between 80,000 and 100,000 miles on them.
Tuesday’s recruits make up the first class in ISP history to receive all Dodge Chargers, ISP Sgt. John Perrine said.
The role of the iconic, “very reliable” Ford Crown Victoria is waning because of the superior technology and capabilities of the Dodge Charger, Perrine said.
“It’s just a matter of a different vehicle,” Perrine said. “It doesn’t change the way we do our job.”
Hannah Alani
