28 Jun 2026, Sun

Indiana State Police Add Mustang GTs to Fleet as More States Turn to High-Performance Patrol Cars

Indiana’s highways are about to get a serious dose of horsepower, as state cops roll out a fleet of Mustang GTs to crack down on speed demons and reckless drivers. Forget those clunky old sedans; these days, police fleets are a mix of brawny SUVs and, apparently, snarling muscle cars.

Ford might’ve dropped the official cop package for the latest ‘Stang, but that hasn’t stopped law enforcement from tweaking these beasts for patrol work. Indiana’s joining a growing club, following Florida and Virginia, where departments have turned to the Mustang’s 480-hp V8 to chase down modern cars that laugh at speed limits. It’s not the ‘80s anymore—today’s road warriors drive machines flirting with 500, even 600 horses, leaving some cops feeling like they’re dragging a sofa behind them in pursuit.

No need for heavy mods this time around, though. The current GT’s got the chops straight from the factory, no extra armor or police-grade suspension required. And Indiana’s giving these interceptors a retro twist, slapping on that classic blue-and-white paintjob last seen when Lyndon Johnson was in office. Even their regular cruisers are getting the same flashy makeover.

So who gets these hot rods? Only the vets—troopers with 15-plus years under their belts, who had to plead their case in writing before hitting the track for specialized training. The plan? Use these screamers to scare off street racers and shut down aggressive driving before it turns ugly.

Of course, as soon as winter rears its ugly head, the Mustangs get parked like prized garage queens. Snow and ice mean back to the boring (but practical) SUVs, at least until the roads thaw and the pony cars can stretch their legs again. Cops playing hero in a Mustang—guess some things do come full circle.

By Eve Nowell

Eve Nowell is a writer at The Auto Wire, where she covers industry news, new vehicle launches, and the bigger shifts changing how we get around. Her thing is taking the complicated stuff—manufacturer strategy, new regulations, the latest tech—and making it actually make sense. She's especially curious about how innovation, what buyers want, and changing policy all collide to shape what automakers put on the road next. She reports with an eye for detail and a knack for writing coverage that works whether you're a hardcore enthusiast or just someone trying to figure out their next car. You'll find her writing about industry news, new vehicle announcements, market trends and manufacturer strategy, EV tech, and the policy and regulation side of the business.