Indiana State Police roll out new cars, new rules to recruit for its 90th academy

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Indiana State Police is shifting gears — rolling out a new look, new cars, and new requirements, as the agency starts recruiting for its 90th Recruit Academy.

The department is replacing its traditional black-and-white cruisers with a new look — blue patrol cars that are already being built and marked in Indianapolis.

“It’s been quite some time. We have black cars. Back in the 1990s, there was a period where we all drove black cars,” said Sgt. Carey Huls with ISP. “We went back to white cars for several years, and now we’re finally returning to blue.”

Applications officially opened on Oct. 6 at IndianaTrooper.com, and the department hopes the changes will help drive in a new generation of troopers.

“There’s a parking lot full of blue ones being built up in Indianapolis right now,” Huls said. “The first ones will officially hit the street with our next academy graduates.”

For the first time, rookie troopers will be issued new take-home patrol cars — a major incentive for recruits.

“When I came on, the older troops got the new cars,” Huls said. “Now we’ve totally flipped that. It’s an incentive — you go to the academy, you get great pay, and you drive a brand-new car right out of the gate.”

That new pay starts at $66,000 during the academy, then jumps to $70,000 upon graduation, with annual increases and full benefits.

The agency is also updating its eligibility requirements. Applicants must now have at least 60 college credit hours or two years of military service, a move Huls says reflects the way policing has evolved.

“Technology and policing are changing,” he said. “We’ve raised our standards because we consider ourselves a very professional department.”

While the department has loosened rules on tattoos, troopers with visible ink must wear the new long-sleeve uniforms year-round — lighter, more breathable, and designed for comfort without losing the professional look.

For recruits, the benefits are extensive — from health, dental, and vision insurance to paid leave, pension options, and on-duty physical training. ISP also offers take-home vehicles, GI Bill eligibility, and student loan forgiveness opportunities through federal programs.

The application window closes Jan. 11, 2026, and the next academy is scheduled to begin in July 2026.

“If you’re a car person, if you like to serve and make a difference — this is the place for you,” Huls said.

To learn more about the application process, pay and benefits, click here.

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