The 51st class of the Indiana University Police Academy graduated Aug. 10, surrounded by family, friends and alumni. The ceremony celebrated the traditions of the nation’s first program to allow full-time students to earn a college degree and become a certified police officer in the state. It also focused on the future, with each graduate ready for the next step in their career or education.
The 24 new police officers completed intense law enforcement training that covered over 90 topics, including federal and state laws, individual rights, investigation procedures, physical tactics, medical aid, and emergency vehicle operations.
We asked a few of the graduates about their experience and what’s next.
Brandon Biagini
IU Indianapolis senior Brandon Biagini wasn’t interested in law enforcement when he started studying environmental science, but he couldn’t pass up on the IU Police Department’s unique Cadet Officer Program. The choice introduced him to a career he hadn’t considered, and he fell in love with law enforcement.
“I realized what a great opportunity it would be to graduate with not only my degree but also a certificate for a competitive advantage in the job market,” he said. “I have always tried to seize an opportunity when it presents itself.”
Biagini said the real-world application of the coursework was a highlight of his experience with the academy.
“The best part was learning skills and subjects you know are going to be useful to you in your career,” he said. “Every class we have had in the academy is important, and we do not have time to waste on ‘filler.’”
Although Biagini didn’t see himself in a law enforcement career when he enrolled at IU’s Indianapolis campus, he’s interested in finding work with a police department in the state after he graduates thanks to his experience in the academy.
Abby Gambrall
For IU Bloomington senior Abby Gambrall, graduating from the IU Police Academy is part of her long-term plan to attend law school and become a criminal defense attorney.
“I thought this program would allow me to see a different side of the criminal justice system,” she said.
Even though Gambrall chose to attend the academy as part of a career strategy, she encourages others to consider it for the personal benefits.
“This academy has been one of the best experiences of my life, and even if you do not want a career in law enforcement, the skills that you learn will simply make you a better person,” she said.
One key lesson that Gambrall said she took from the academy was feeling comfortable about being uncomfortable.
“This academy has truly helped bring me out of my comfort zone, and it applies to every aspect of life, because the more you practice doing things that are out of your comfort zone, the easier they will become,” she said.
Andréa Martinez
IU Bloomington senior and criminal justice major Andréa Martinez has always had a passion for helping others and ensuring justice. Taking on the challenges and rewards of the IU Police Academy offered her the chance to channel her passion into a career.
“After helping my mother raise 32 foster children throughout 15 years of my life, I naturally was drawn to making a positive impact on my community and upholding the values of fairness and integrity,” she said.
Although Martinez has a strong drive to make a difference in the lives of others, she was surprised by the impact her fellow academy recruits had on her.
“I didn’t expect to form such close friendships in the academy, but the shared challenges and experiences have brought us together in ways I never imagined,” she said. “I can confidently say I could not have come this far without the undeniable support of my recruit brothers and sisters. These bonds aren’t just friendships; they are truly like family, and I know it will create a strong foundation for the start of our careers in law enforcement.”
Upon graduation, Martinez plans to start her career within the IU Police Department.
Taylor Mathers
IU Columbus senior Taylor Mathers formed lasting connections with her fellow academy recruits, who supported her when she needed them.
“About a month before academy training started, I lost my dad,” she said. “It was sudden and completely turned my life upside down. Major (Stephen) Luce and the rest of the command staff were very supportive, and I was able to lean on my other recruits. I would not have made it past the first two weeks of the academy without the overwhelming support I received.”
Mathers said the best part about her time in the academy was the experience she shared with her classmates and instructors.
“We all have such a unique experience with each other that we are all bonded for life,” she said. “I have met some great people this summer, and that makes it worth the early-morning physical training sessions.”
Mathers hopes to combine her experience in the academy with her studies as a criminal justice major to seek a career with the Columbus Police Department and possibly work in it Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Brandon Mitchner
Brandon Mitchner’s journey to join the academy was not typical. As a 41-year-old recruit, he found himself among men and women half his age and wasn’t expecting to call them family members by graduation day.
“There were opportunities in which I was able to impart 40+ years of life experience and work experience to others, “he said. “But also, I took time to listen to and learn from brilliant younger minds. I have heard and seen through the eyes of the next generation, and we were all fortunate to come together and gain lifelong knowledge and experience as well as grow and better ourselves. I would not trade our time at the 51st IU Police Academy for anything.”
Graduating from the IU Police Academy is part of a lifelong connection Mitchner has with IU. His mother retired in 2021 after working at IU for 48 years, and Mitchner also worked on the IU Bloomington campus for several years before enrolling in the academy.
“I love this campus and community, and when I began to actively pursue a career in law enforcement, IUPD was easily at the top of the list,” he said.
