Versailles - Monday morning a new trooper and recent graduate of the Indiana State Police Recruit Academy reported to Versailles Post to begin his first day on the job as a trooper. Joseph Prather of Versailles was among 46 new troopers who graduated from the 69th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy Thursday, December 18. These 46 new troopers will bring the statewide number of troopers to within 16 of its authorized strength of 1,334 sworn officers who make up the Indiana State Police. This number is the closest ISP has been to its full compliment of officers in over 20 years.
Tpr. Prather and his classmates were administered the oath of office by the Honorable Randall T. Shephard, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court. ISP Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D. recognized the accomplishments of the recruits upon their graduation. "During the academy, these trainees have been equipped with the skills and knowledge required to be a trooper," commented Supt. Whitesell. "Now it is time to put those skills to work for the people of Indiana."
During their recruit training, which began June 15 of this year, the trainees received approximately 878 hours of structured law enforcement training and techniques. Their curriculum included 85 hours of criminal law instruction, 80 hours of emergency vehicle operations, and 30 hours of psychology. They also received instruction in the use of firearms, first responder, self-defense, and survival Spanish. During their training they also developed skills in criminal investigation, vehicle crash investigation, and impaired driver prevention and apprehension among other law enforcement related subjects.
Tpr. Prather was home schooled and then attended I.U.P.U.I. where he graduated in 2005 with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. He will now begin 10 weeks of field training in which he will be assigned to ride with experienced troopers known as Field Training Officers (FTO). Indiana State Police FTO’s have been selected based upon their experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities and are specially trained to supervise and evaluate the progress of a new trooper’s field training. Upon the successful completion of field training, Tpr. Prather and his classmates are scheduled to receive their own cars sometime in March to begin solo patrol responsibilities.
Prior to being selected to attend recruit training, Prather worked as a Telecommunications Operator at the ISP Versailles Post. According to Lt. Marty McKinney, Commander of the ISP Versailles District, Tpr. Prather will be assigned patrol responsibilities in Jefferson County upon successful completion of his field training.
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