CPD welcomes Jennings County grad as new officer

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 8:35 AM

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Colton Ross (Badge CPD 312) joined the ranks as the newest officer in the Columbus Police Department (CPD) on Tuesday morning. Mayor Mary Ferdon swore in Ross at the weekly Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

He graduated from Jennings County High School and then attended Indiana University Columbus. While studying criminal justice, Ross joined the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) as a cadet.

The following summer, he completed the Indiana University Police Academy and continued to work part-time for the past year as an IUPD police officer. Last year, he completed a semester-long internship with the Columbus Police Department.

Just last week, the new hire graduated from IU Columbus with his bachelor’s degree.

Since Ross is already a certified police officer, he will immediately begin working with CPD instructors and then hit the streets for field training.

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