Indiana State Police Museum Honors Women Troopers

A new exhibit celebrates five decades of women serving as state troopers in Indiana.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a geometric service star, evoking the institutional legacy of women in law enforcement. — The Indiana State Police Museum in Indianapolis has launched a new exhibit commemorating five decades of women serving as state troopers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Indiana State Police Museum has opened an exhibit highlighting the 50-year history of women serving on the force. The display features photos and videos of both active and retired officers.

Why it matters

The exhibit honors the contributions and legacy of women who have served as troopers since the program began, while acknowledging the sacrifices made by those lost in the line of duty.

The exhibit honors the 50-year history of women serving as state troopers, including the service of pioneers like Patricia King. Four women troopers have died during this five-decade period.

The players

Indiana State Police Museum

Located at 8660 East 21st Street in Indianapolis, this institution preserves the history and artifacts of the statewide law enforcement agency.

Patricia King

She was a trailblazing officer who became the first African American woman to serve as an Indiana State Police trooper in 1976.

The details

Located in Indianapolis, the museum showcase includes multimedia presentations featuring current and former troopers. The site provides free admission to the public as part of its ongoing historical outreach.

1976: The first women began serving as Indiana State Police troopers.
2020: Patricia King, the first African American female trooper in the department, died.
October 28, 2026: The exhibit honoring women troopers officially opened to the public.

Legal Context

The exhibit traces the evolution of gender integration within law enforcement following the 1976 inception of the female trooper program. This historical perspective highlights the ongoing trajectory of diversity within state police departments across the country.

Residents can visit the museum on the east side of Indianapolis to view the collection, which is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the museum remains free for all visitors interested in local history.

The takeaway

This exhibit offers a look at the historical progression of women in law enforcement over the last 50 years. Visitors can use this opportunity to better understand the evolution of the state police and the legacy of its pioneering officers.