Dodge Charger Issued to ISP Peru Post Trooper

[Nelson Muntz]

PERU, IN - Recently, the Indiana State Police Department issued new high performance patrol vehicles to one trooper in each of the 17 state police districts. Each officer was issued a 2010 Dodge Charger with a V8, 368 horse power engine, and automatic transmission. The Chargers are various colors, including some which are fully marked. The cars are specifically designed to withstand the rigors of police work.  They are equipped with interior emergency lighting, multi-directional radar, and an electronic ticketing system.

The Chargers were issued to the 2008 troopers of the year from each state police district.  The vehicles are part of the ongoing effort by the Indiana State Police to reduce the number and severity of crashes on high risk roadways throughout Indiana. This is to be accomplished through public education and strict traffic enforcement. The Indiana State Police has identified several primary causation factors related to motor vehicle crashes. They are speeding, operating while intoxicated, disregarding a traffic control device, improper passing, following too closely, unsafe lane movement, and failure to yield. The issued Chargers will support the state police mission of reducing such driving behavior.

Trooper Mike Tomson completed training unique to operating a high performance vehicle and was issued a Dodge Charger to patrol the Indiana State Police Peru District, which covers Cass, Fulton, Miami, Howard, Tipton, and Wabash Counties. Tomson, a nine-year veteran, was selected for this position by being chosen as the 2008 trooper of the year for the Indiana State Police Peru District. Trooper Tomson is a native of Wabash County and resides there with his wife Chris.

"Voluntary compliance of Indiana's traffic laws is our main goal," stated Trooper Mike Tomson. "Traffic safety has always been paramount to our district and the department. This program is just another tool in our approach to reduce crashes and save lives".