JASPER – On November 6, 2025, fourteen probationary troopers graduated from the 88th Indiana State Police Lateral Academy.
These probationary troopers have completed over 1,200 hours of structured training in law enforcement techniques and hands-on, scenario-based training at the Indiana State Police Recruit Academy. Their curriculum included criminal law instruction, emergency vehicle operations, psychology, traffic law, crash investigation, self-defense, first responder, and other general law enforcement-related training. The probationary troopers now begin their next phase of instruction, a three-month field training period, working alongside veteran troopers. Field training aims to give troopers a practical application to the training they received throughout the formal academy. After field training, the troopers will be assigned an Indiana State Police patrol vehicle and begin solo patrol.
The new troopers assigned to the Jasper Post are Aaron Guzman and Dakota Hatton.
Trooper Guzman is a graduate of Washington High School in Washington, Indiana. After high school, Guzman earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Owensboro Community and Technical College. In 2015 Trooper Guzman joined the U.S. Army and served as a Calvary Scout for four years. Trooper Guzman also completed a combat deployment in Afghanistan in 2016. After his time in the military, Trooper Guzman graduated from the traditional recruit school and served five years as a patrolman for Washington Police Department in Washington, IN. Trooper Guzman lives in Washington with his children.
Trooper Hatton is a 2014 graduate of Washington High School in Washington, Indiana. After high school, Hatton earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Johnson University in Knoxville, TN. In 2015, Trooper Hatton joined the Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer and served in an overseas tour at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After returning home, Trooper Hatton graduated from the traditional recruit school and served four years as a patrolman for Washington Police Department in Washington, IN. Trooper Hatton lives in Washington with his wife and child.
Individuals seeking information on a career as an Indiana State Trooper should visit the website at www.indianatrooper.com . This website will provide a detailed synopsis of the application process and career information about the Indiana State Police Department.
