Paul Whitesell, named by Gov.-elect Mitch Daniels to be the Indiana State Police superintendent, may have the most unusual resume in state government, says the Indianapolis Star. He is a firearms and hand-to-hand combat expert, he holds black belts in karate, martial arts weapons, jiu-jitsu, and taekwondo. The 53-year-old, 6-foot, 250-pound former Marine and Army officer also is a marriage and family therapist, with years of work as a police psychotherapist, helping officers and their families cope with the stresses of the job.
Detective Keith Gill, president of the Indiana State Police Alliance, which represents the department’s 400 troopers, said Whitesell “has a reputation that is impeccable. He is a real class act, above reproach.” Detective Edwin Davis, president of the Indiana Black Troopers Association, did not see a problem with a white superintendent replacing Melvin Carraway, who is black. Whitesell will reorganize a department that both he and the new governor view as too top-heavy with management. He plans to “empty some chairs” at State Police headquarters to put more officers on the road, something Gill said would be appreciated by the officers.
Link: http://www.indystar.com/articles/4/204939-4054-092.html