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Chief Pate, who joined UIndy in 2015 following his tenure at the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, brings 18 years of law enforcement experience to his role. Throughout his career, he has held various positions in operations and investigations. Before becoming Chief, he served as the Patrol and Investigations supervisor for UIPD. Additionally, Chief Pate has been a part of several specialty teams, including SCUBA, ERT, Motorcycle Patrol, Fatal Accident Investigations, and Honor Guard.

Chief Pate holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from UIndy, with a Bachelor's in Emergency Management and a Master's in Strategic Leadership from the School of Business. Furthermore, he is a Master Instructor for the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board.

Lieutenant Truax joined UIndy in 2016 after working at multiple law enforcement agencies throughout central Indiana. Lt. Truax served as chief deputy for Montgomery Co. Sheriff’s Dept., detective for the city of West Lafayette, and SRO for the Indianapolis Public Schools. He started his career at Crawfordsville Police Department as a patrol officer in 1992. Lt. Truax has served as an FTO, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Less Lethal Instructor, and SWAT Team Member.

Lt. Truax attended Ball State University, majoring in Criminal Justice/Criminology. He graduated from the ISA New Sheriff’s School and the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety/Police Chiefs and Command Staff School. Lt. Truax also served eight years in the Indiana Army National Guard. He received his FAA private pilot license to fly helicopters in his pastime.

Lt. Gaines,  joined UIndy in 2017 following his tenure at the Indianapolis Public Schools Police Department after 15 years of service, for a total of 22 years of law enforcement experience to his role. Throughout his career, he has held various positions as an FTO, OIC Sgt . Lt. Gaines is a general instructor, as well as an instructor in firearms, physical tactics, ground fighting, edged weapon systems, TCCC, and ICAT.  Lt. Gaines graduated from the FBI Swat school in 2019 and has been a part of several specialty teams, including EST, and ERT.

Lt. Gaines has an undergraduate degree from Vincennes University and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’ degree from UIndy, majoring in Psychology.

Sergeant Benton joined UIndy in 2019 while working on his undergraduate degree. Sgt. Benton currently serves as a patrol supervisor and K9 Handler with his 2-year-old German Shepherd partner, Riley. Together, Sgt. Benton and K9 Riley are certified in narcotics detection throughout his time at UIndy, Sgt. Benton has served as a Field Training Officer and general instructor and holds certifications in criminal investigations and interview/interrogation techniques.

Sgt. Benton holds an undergraduate and graduate degree from UIndy, with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice ‘19 and a Master’s in Strategic Leadership and Design ‘22.

Sergeant Neathery joined UIndy in 2023 after a 22-year career with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.  Throughout his career with IMPD, Sergeant Neathery worked in several different units and positions, including patrol officer, Neighborhood Resource Unit Officer, Police Bicycle Unit, Investigations, Traffic Unit, Real-Time Crime Unit, Incident Analysis Unit, and other proactive crime reduction units.  Sergeant Neathery worked in the Victim Advocate Unit with the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office.

Sergeant Hernandez joined UIndy in 2023. He brings over 14 years of law enforcement experience. Most recently, he worked for the Perry Township School Police Department for eight years and held the rank of corporal. Before that, he worked as a Sheriff’s Deputy for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and was part of the SRT division (Sheriff’s Response Team) conducting misdemeanor and felony warrants. Throughout his law enforcement career, he conducted field training for new officers, served as the assistant IDACS coordinator, as a certified SRO, and as the OIC. He holds certification in field search computer investigations. He is the IT (information tech) and Gang Liaison for the Homecroft Police Department. He also served a short time in the Indiana Army National Guards.

Sergeant Hernandez holds an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and a Certificate in  Electrical/Computer troubleshooting and is continuing to pursue a computer science degree focusing on cyber security.

Detective Arnold comes to us after retiring from the Greenwood Police Department and has put together an impressive career in Law Enforcement over the last 20 years. Det. Arnold was the Deputy Chief of Investigations, Detective Sergeant, Narcotics Detective, School Resource Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and Patrolman. Det. Arnold was also a member of the GPD SWAT Team as an Operator/Sniper, Hostage Negotiator, Instructor, EVOC Instructor, Drug Recognition Expert, FTO, and certified Computer Voice Stress Analyzer administrator. Det. Arnold has been awarded a Purple Heart and the Medal of Valor for his actions in response to a critical incident with GPD. 

Det. Arnold served in the US Navy, Army National Guard, and US Air Force, earning several distinguished service awards. Jay was deployed to the Middle East and Southwest Asia.

Officer Allen, who joined UIndy in 2022 following his tenure at Indiana University - Bloomington, brings two years of law enforcement experience to his role. Ofc. Allen has served as a Field Training Officer and has training in Mental Health First Aid, Officer Wellness, Advanced Roadside Interviewing, and Interrogation Techniques.

Officer Allen holds an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Philosophy from Indiana University - Bloomington.

Officer Bickel joined the University of Indianapolis Police Department in 2022. Officer Bickel graduated from the University of Indianapolis In 2021 and acquired his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Officer Bickel graduated from the Indiana University Police Academy with honors in 2021 before joining UIPD. Since then, Officer Bickel has become a Certified S.T.O.P.S instructor and Breath Test Operator for UIPD. Officer Bickel received the UIPD Officer of the Year for 2022 and an accommodation for Traffic Safety in 2023. Officer Bickel enjoys traffic enforcement and OWI enforcement to increase awareness of the impacts of impaired driving and create safer roadways.

Brayon Hogan joined UIPD in 2022 and began his journey in law enforcement as a cadet here at the university. Officer Hogan graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 2023, he has been working full time while completing his Bachelors in Criminal Justice. Ofc Hogan won the Emergency vehicle operations award in 2023 as well. Ofc Hogan plans on becoming a k9 handler in the future as well as attending roadside interviewing techniques as well as interdiction training to further enhance his knowledge and skills roadside.

Officer Hardy joined UIndy in 2023 after working for the federal government for a year. Officer Hardy has received Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement training and is a certified breath test operator. Officer Hardy holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Indianapolis with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in psychology.

Danny Ali joined UIndy in 2023 and has been in Law Enforcement for three years. Officer Ali has a degree in Criminal Justice and is a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. Officer Ali specializes in physical tactics, primarily kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Officer Ali obtained his Black Belt in BJJ from Grand Master Sami Kiblawi at Team Shogun and has competed in tournaments worldwide, becoming an international BJJ champion. Officer Ali is inspired to one day be as proficient in firearms tactics as he is in physical combat. Officer Ali aspires to become a member of an Emergency Response Team.

Officer Koontz joined the University of Indianapolis Police Department in 2023. Officer Koontz has a Masters in Secondary Education and an Undergraduate Degree in US History and Physical  Education.  Officer Koontz is certified as a Speed and Agility Specialist and Strength Training Coach.  He comes to UIndy after 30 years of education experience.