Putnamville welcomes new trooper

Scott Probasco is the newest trooper at the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post.

Probasco was one of 46 members of the 69th Indiana State Police Academy who took their oath of office Thursday at the University of Indianapolis' Ransburg Auditorium.

"The addition of these 46 new troopers will bring the state police to within 16 sworn officers of their authorized staffing level of 1,334 troopers," a release from the ISP Indianapolis District said. "This is the closest the Indiana State Police has been to its authorized level of sworn enforcement personnel in over 20 years and is a testament to Gov. Daniels' and Superintendent Whitesell's commitment to public safety in Indiana."

Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul E. Whitesell, Ph.D., recognized the accomplishments of the class upon their graduation from the Indiana State Police Recruit Academy. Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard of the Indiana Supreme Court administered the oath of office to the recruits.

The trainees have received approximately 878 hours of structured training in law enforcement techniques since the class reported on June 15, 2008. Their curriculum included 85 hours of criminal law instruction, 80 hours of vehicle operations training and 30 hours of psychology. They also developed skills in criminal investigation, vehicle crash investigation and impaired driver prevention and detection.

"During the academy, these trainees have been equipped with the skills and knowledge required to be a trooper," said Whitesell. "Now it is time to put those skills to work for the people of Indiana."

Trainees come to the academy from different places. Some had served in the military; many entered the academy directly after college. Newly sworn officers look forward to a future with the Indiana State Police and are part of the Governor's initiative to return the state police to full capacity.

The new troopers will be assigned to field training officers for at least three months before being placed on solo patrol.