Indiana Police Badge Requirements & Regulations Guide
Complete guide to ILEA certification and badge standards in the Hoosier State
📅 Updated: December 24, 2025⏱️ 8 min read📂 State Guides✍️ By David Martinez
📌The Short Answer
Indiana law enforcement badges are governed by the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) certification requirements. All sworn officers must be ILEA-certified. Indiana follows traditional Midwest patterns—municipal police use shields, sheriffs use stars. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police is the largest department.
📊Indiana by the Numbers
- ~14,000 sworn law enforcement officers
- 92 county sheriff offices
- ~500 police departments
- Indiana State Police: ~1,300 troopers
- 17th most populous state (6.8+ million residents)
Major Indiana Departments
| Agency | Sworn Officers | Badge Style |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Metropolitan Police | ~1,700 | Shield |
| Indiana State Police | ~1,300 | State badge |
| Fort Wayne Police | ~450 | Shield |
✨Field Tip
Indiana’s cold winters and road salt exposure require durable badge construction. Specify hard enamel and quality plating for all Indiana badges.
📋Key Takeaways
- Indiana has ~14,000 sworn officers across 590+ agencies
- ILEA certification required for all peace officers
- Traditional Midwest badge patterns
- 92 county sheriffs with star traditions
The Bottom Line
Indiana follows traditional Midwest badge patterns. For more information, see our procurement guide.