Full Notification

Pendleton - Yesterday, 46 probationary troopers from the 75th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy class were issued their state police cars at the Indiana State Police Youth Education and Historical Center in Indianapolis.

Three of those troopers are assigned to the eight county Pendleton District and are starting solo patrol there. The probationary officers recently completed a three month field training period with veteran troopers. They will serve a one year probationary period before attaining permanent status as a trooper.

In addition to the field training, the new officers received approximately 917 hours of structured training in law enforcement techniques when they were assigned to the Indiana State Police Recruit Academy. The curriculum included criminal law instruction, emergency vehicle operations training, psychology, and survival Spanish. They also developed skills in criminal investigation, vehicle crash investigation, and impaired driver prevention and detection

Blake Stephenson, age 25, graduated from Pendleton Heights High School in 2009, then Butler University in 2013 with a degree in Marketing. He is assigned to work in Henry and Rush Counties.

Justin Beamon, age 22, graduated from Fisher’s High School in 2012 and attended classes at Indiana State University. He is assigned to work in Henry and Rush Counties.

Jacob Ridgway, age 22, was home schooled and graduated in 2013. He was employed by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department before starting his career with the Indiana State Police. He also will be assigned to work in Henry and Rush Counties.


Pictured in the photo, from left to right, are Blake Stephenson, Justin Beamon and Jacob Ridgway