Division: Uniform Division
The Uniform Division of the Speedway Police Department consists of a group of professional men and women who enforce the laws of the State of Indiana and the Town of Speedway.
In addition to the officer's patrol duties, officers may also participate in one of several specialized units:
Bicycle Unit
The Speedway Police Department Bicycle Unit is assigned to specialized patrols. All Bicycle Unit members are trained in an extensive course provided through the International Police Mountain Bike Association. The course is designed to enhance patrol tactics and bicycle handling. The bicycle officers increase exposure to the citizens of Speedway and amplify community policing.
The bicycle officers are an exceptional commodity to the Town of Speedway, especially during race related events. Bicycle officers are able to patrol and access areas with faster response time than patrol vehicles. Examples of these areas include: large pedestrian crowds, parking lots, camping grounds, and high vehicular traffic areas.
Honor Guard Unit
The mission of the Speedway Police Department Honor Guard Unit is to present a professional ceremonial presence during departmental functions, assisting law enforcement agencies and selected public appearances. Historically, these appearances have included parades, funerals, town functions, sporting events and other such functions. The Honor Guard Unit is currently led by Sergeant Chris Ristuccia.
K-9 Unit
The Speedway Police Department currently has one K-9 team. The K-9 handler is Officer Mathew Turpin and his partner is Police Service Dog Ruck. PSD Ruck is currently assigned to the day shift and is dual trained in patrol tactics and narcotics detection.
Motorcycle Unit
The Speedway Police Department Motorcycle Unit was organized in April 1999 and is currently under the direction of Sergeant Pat Hammel. The division has four Harley Davidson Road King motorcycles that are ridden by uniform officers from the patrol division.
Since its inception in 1999, the primary objective of the unit has been traffic enforcement. The motorcycle unit also plays a large roll in escorts and traffic control during the three major events hosted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. All members of the Motorcycle Unit have received extensive training in police motorcycle operations.
S.W.A.T. Unit
The Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) Unit is currently under the direction of Sergeant Michael Hart. The unit is staffed by eight part-time members who are on 24-hour call for major incidents in and around the Town of Speedway. The team trains eight hours a month on different areas of tactics and firearms/weaponry usage. In addition to the eight member unit, the department has two crisis negotiators. Sergeant Michael Hart serves as the Team Leader and Detective Nathan Shipley serves as the Assistant Team Leader.