The Indiana State Police is proud to announce that Trooper Mitchell McKinney has been recognized for his exceptional service during 2024, earning several of the highest honors awarded by the Lafayette Post and the Indiana State Police. McKinney was named the 2024 Lafayette Post Trooper of the District, received the Lafayette District DUI Award, and was honored with the Indiana State Police DUI Life Award.
The Trooper of the District Award is presented annually to a trooper who exemplifies the core values of the Indiana State Police: integrity, service, and professionalism. It recognizes outstanding efforts in traffic and criminal enforcement, case and crash investigations, public information programs, and community involvement. Trooper McKinney’s performance throughout the year reflected an unwavering commitment to these principles. His 2024 accomplishments include 961 traffic stops, 171 criminal investigations (with 59 felony cases), 1,430 calls for service, and 47 crash investigations. McKinney consistently demonstrated leadership, work ethic, and dedication to public safety, making him a clear choice for this distinguished honor.
In addition to his work across a broad range of enforcement areas, Trooper McKinney made DUI enforcement a top priority, understanding its critical impact on saving lives. His efforts earned him the Lafayette District DUI Award, presented to the trooper with the highest number of DUI arrests at the Lafayette Post. His achievements also extended statewide, as he was awarded the prestigious Indiana State Police DUI Life Award for removing 63 impaired drivers from Indiana’s roadways in 2024. Trooper McKinney ranked fifth overall in the state for DUI enforcement.
DUI enforcement plays a vital role in maintaining roadway safety and preventing tragedy. Every impaired driver removed from the road represents countless lives potentially saved. Trooper McKinney’s commitment to this critical area of policing demonstrates his dedication to the safety of every Hoosier who travels Indiana’s roads.
“Trooper McKinney’s outstanding efforts in traffic enforcement and impaired driving investigations directly contributed to making our communities safer,” said Lieutenant Tom McKee, Lafayette District Commander. “His hard work, professionalism, and commitment to saving lives are a true reflection of what it means to serve as an Indiana State Trooper. We are proud to have Trooper McKinney representing the Lafayette District.”
The Indiana State Police congratulates Trooper Mitchell McKinney on these well-deserved honors and thanks him for his unwavering dedication to excellence, service, and protecting the public.