Indiana – Superintendent Doug Carter, who has been leading the Indiana State Police for ten years, is scheduled to resign on January 13 in line with Governor-elect Mike Braun’s inauguration. Since former Governor Mike Pence appointed Carter in 2013, his leaving signifies the end of an era for the department.
The Indiana State Police has been closely associated with Carter’s 40-year law enforcement career. Beginning his path with the agency in 1984, Carter advanced fast and developed a reputation for honesty and diligence. Apart from an eight-year break as Hamilton County’s sheriff, Carter’s career has remained anchored in the ISP. His 2013 Superintendent appointment was considered as a continuation of his lifetime dedication to public safety and community service.
A career of leadership and controversy
Carter has expressed opinions on divisive problems involving public safety and law enforcement during his career. Citing issues with officer safety, he publicly opposed a Republican-led plan to remove Indiana’s handgun licensing requirement in 2022. In a politically sensitive environment, Carter attacked the proposal as giving politics top priority over the welfare of law enforcement personnel, a posture that attracted both support and criticism.
Carter also addressed structural problems in police, especially in the light of national upheaval following the murders of Michael Brown and George Floyd. Carter noted the larger difficulties law enforcement has even as he expressed remorse for not making more arrests during the 2020 Indianapolis demonstrations. His comments demonstrated an advanced understanding of the necessity of reform in balance with police duties.
Unflinching in his views
Never one to back off from controversy, Carter frequently attacked local court and prosecutor rulings. The Indianapolis Bar Association objected strongly to his description of Marion County’s justice system as “broken” for low bails. Likewise, he questioned Monroe County’s decision to not charge demonstrators taken on campus, claiming political motivations for it.
2024 saw one of the most divisive events of his career as the ISP responded to a pro-Palestine campsite at Indiana University. Acting on a last-minute assembly policy amendment asked by university management, state police arrested 57 staff members and students for trespassing. With the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office declining to charge and classifying the arrests as “constitutionally dubious,” the arrests sparked a lot of criticism.
Though he left legal interpretations to others, Carter defended the ISP’s actions by expressing concerns over antisemitism language at the campsite. “Let’s leave that to the lawyers,” he then said.
A legacy defined by the Delphi murders
Carter’s involvement in the investigation into the 2017 Delphi murders is maybe the most important turning point in his career. The tragic case, which gripped national attention and fueled online speculation, culminated in the 2022 arrest of Richard Allen. Navigating the strong public scrutiny around the case—which ended with Allen’s conviction in a divisive trial this fall—was much assisted by Carter’s leadership. Carter’s determination guaranteed that justice was done, so strengthening his reputation as a resolute and capable leader even as the investigation became criticized and conspiracy theories developed.
What is next
Carter’s decision to retire fits past remarks he said he planned to leave office with departing Governor Eric Holcomb. His departure opens the door for Gov.-elect Braun to appoint a new superintendent, a decision that will undoubtedly shape the future of the ISP.
When considering his future, Carter has spoken little publicly; instead, he has chosen to concentrate on the job still to come throughout his last weeks in office. He leaves behind a legacy characterized by unwavering dedication to the protection of Indiana’s citizens, courageous leadership, and relentless determination as he gets ready to end this chapter.
Although the Indiana State Police will start a new chapter with his leaving, Carter’s influence will be felt for years to come. Doug Carter’s time as superintendent has been anything from typical, whether recalled for his well-publicized investigations, clear support for officer safety, or handling of divisive public disputes.
