(NINEVEH) - A new headquarters for Indiana DNR Law Enforcement District 6 is officially under construction, with state leaders saying the project will strengthen public safety while saving taxpayer dollars.
Gov. Mike Braun joined Department of Natural Resources officials and other state leaders for a groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility, which will serve Indiana Conservation Officers across nine central Indiana counties.
The headquarters will support officers working in Bartholomew, Brown, Johnson, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, and Shelby counties. District 6 officers handle a wide range of duties, including outdoor safety enforcement, search and rescue operations, and conservation law investigations.
"Indiana Conservation Officers are champions of outdoor safety and protectors of our natural resources," Braun said. "By working across agencies, we're delivering a modern law enforcement facility at significant cost savings for taxpayers."
The new headquarters will house 23 conservation officers and staff and include training rooms, evidence storage, equipment space, and upgraded technology. It will replace temporary trailers that have served as the district's headquarters since 2016.
Indiana DNR Director Alan Morrison said conservation officers regularly work alongside local police and bring specialized skills to emergency situations, including scuba diving, sonar searches, K-9 operations, airboat rescues, and swift-water response.
The $800,000 project was designed by the Indiana Department of Administration and will be built in cooperation with Indiana Department of Correction work crews, reducing both architectural and construction costs.
State officials say the facility is designed to provide long-term support for officers while improving coordination across state agencies.