FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kellyn Harrison, Press Secretary
kellyn.harrison@iga.in.gov
(317) 232-9498
STATEHOUSE (July 5, 2023) — A Senate Republican budget priority, spearheaded by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown), to increase the salary and improve the pay matrix for Indiana State Police (ISP) troopers went into effect July 1.
The ISP has relentlessly protected Hoosier life and property for nearly 100 years. Our highly trained ISP troopers support all law enforcement agencies throughout the state and selflessly risk their lives daily to ensure our communities remain safe.
The Indiana State Police Alliance (ISPA) reported state troopers to be among the lowest-paid law enforcement professionals in Indiana. Yet, ISP recruits complete twice as many hours of basic and specialized training with the added expectation they must relocate to serve wherever duty calls.
“These brave men and women deserve to be compensated at a level that mirrors their unparalleled service, commitment and sacrifice to our great state,” Garten said. “This past session, Senate Republicans made it a top caucus priority to achieve a more competitive salary for our honorable ISP troopers, and we are proud to have seen that through.”
The new 2024-25 state budget includes $75 million for pay raises for ISP officers. The funding also shortened the ISP pay matrix from 20 years to 15 years, so troopers will see a significantly faster salary increase throughout their careers.
“This intentional funding will better position ISP in recruiting and retaining Indiana’s finest to ensure ISP remains one of the leading state police agencies in the nation,” Garten said.
Numbers from the ISPA show ISP recruitment has dwindled dramatically in the last five years with nearly 60 graduate troopers in 2018 and under 20 graduate troopers in 2022. This most recent recruitment class was the smallest since 1946 – a notable contrast to the near 300 graduates across two classes in 2006.
“We worked closely with Senator Garten to build our case on the importance of having a competitive salary,” said President of ISPA Scott Krueger. “He understood our issues, was a champion for our cause and helped get the salary increase over the finish line.”
In recent years, Senate Republicans have taken the lead in funding additional training and equipment enhancements for law enforcement.
“This hard-earned and well-deserved state police pay increase builds on that track record of meaningful investments in public safety,” Garten said. “Our caucus remains wholly committed to our dedicated state troopers and their families.”
This year, ISP has lost two honorable members in separate vehicular assaults that resulted in the deaths of Master Trooper James Bailey on March 3 and Trooper Aaron Smith on June 28.
“The loss of two remarkable state troopers, especially in such a short period of time, is devastating. This immense tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how dangerous it is to wake up and choose to put on a uniform,” Garten said. “Please join me in praying for these heroes and their families.”
To view the funeral arrangements for Trooper Aaron Smith, click here.
To view donation opportunities and a complete list of ISP troopers who have given their lives in the line of duty, click here.
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State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) represents Senate District 45, which includes Clark County and portions of Floyd County.
NOTE TO THE PRESS: Click here to download Garten’s new high-resolution headshot.
Many of Indiana’s new laws went into effect on July 1. Click here to learn more about the
2024-25 state budget and visit iga.in.gov to learn more about other legislation passed during the
2023 legislative session.
