In January, 2023, Indiana State Police Indianapolis District Lieutenant Josh Watson formed a specialized squad to focus on criminal interdiction. The purpose of the squad was to work beyond the standard traffic stop, initiating and pursuing drug and gun investigations. Members of the squad were selected based upon their vast drug enforcement experience and training. Five Troopers, one K9 and a supervisor make up the criminal interdiction team in the Indianapolis District.
This squad remains flexible with their schedule, often fluctuating between nights and days, and are often utilized for special assignments within the district. Members of this squad also have been selected to join the Indiana Gun Crimes Task Force. Although the majority of their time is focused in the city of Indianapolis, they also work within all seven counties that make up the ISP Indianapolis District.
Lieutenant Josh Watson stated. “Typically, we find that crime is connected to other crime and criminals are connected to other criminals. Low level drug transactions can lead to larger drug operations and major dealers. This squad of troopers focuses on making those connections, working beyond a traffic stop and outright arrest of an individual. Our troopers work very closely with officers from other agencies including incredible support from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.”…