Indianapolis, Indiana – In a move to tackle ongoing staffing shortages across Indiana’s law enforcement and public safety agencies, the Indiana State Police (ISP) joined forces with the University of Indianapolis (UIndy) to launch the state’s first-ever “Careers in Public Safety” event. The inaugural program, held on October 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside UIndy Hall at the Schwitzer Student Center, aimed to attract a new and diverse generation of talent into the many vital roles that keep Hoosier communities safe.
The event wasn’t just about recruiting future police officers—it was about showing students that careers in public safety extend far beyond traditional patrol positions. From forensic scientists and chemists to nurses, drone pilots, motor carrier inspectors, and crime analysts, attendees had the chance to explore a wide spectrum of career options within the Indiana State Police and its partner agencies.
Students from a variety of academic backgrounds—including criminal justice, psychology, business, and the sciences—were encouraged to attend. Throughout the day, they interacted with professionals from multiple ISP divisions and participated in hands-on demonstrations designed to give them a realistic view of the work involved in protecting the public.
“I’m excited about the Careers in Public Safety event because it showcases such a wide variety of public safety careers that extend far beyond traditional roles,” said Jessica Sremanak, director of employer engagement at the University of Indianapolis. “Our mission and highest priority at UIndy is to ensure students are ready to thrive after graduation and events like this give them the chance to explore real career paths and make meaningful connections with professionals in the field.”
Expanding the vision of public safety careers
The Indiana State Police has long faced the challenge of filling positions—not just for troopers on the road, but for the growing number of specialized and technical roles that support the agency’s work. The Careers in Public Safety event represents part of a broader recruitment effort to reach students earlier and show them the diversity of opportunities available in law enforcement and public service.
By partnering with universities like UIndy, ISP hopes to strengthen its talent pipeline and introduce students to roles they might not have otherwise considered. In recent years, agencies across Indiana have struggled to fill vacancies due to retirements, competition from private industries, and changing perceptions about careers in policing.
“Building a pipeline of new talent is absolutely critical to the future of law enforcement and the entire state of Indiana,” said Sgt. John Perrine, public information officer for the Indiana State Police. “Events like these give students a hands-on look at the numerous opportunities available in public safety and hopefully inspire them to consider careers that can make a real difference for their communities and all Hoosiers.”
Inspiring the next generation of public servants
Throughout the event, students spoke with forensic experts about evidence collection, watched drone demonstrations used in crash reconstruction, and learned about the technologies that support daily operations across the state. Recruiters also discussed internship programs and entry-level positions that can serve as stepping stones toward long-term careers in law enforcement, science, and public administration.
For UIndy, the partnership with the Indiana State Police reinforces its commitment to career readiness and community engagement. The university continues to expand its collaboration with employers who can offer students both meaningful experiences and stable career paths after graduation.
As Indiana faces a growing demand for qualified professionals in public safety fields, initiatives like Careers in Public Safety are becoming increasingly vital. The hope is that through continued collaboration between education and law enforcement, more young people will be inspired to join the ranks of those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting their communities.
With the success of its first event, both the Indiana State Police and the University of Indianapolis plan to explore expanding the program in the coming years—ensuring that the next generation of Hoosier public safety professionals is ready, skilled, and motivated to lead.
