What powers do excise police officers have?

Excise police officers in Indiana are granted full police powers, a designation that has been in effect since 1985. This includes the authority to enforce laws related to the regulation of alcohol, tobacco, and other controlled substances throughout the state, not limited by local municipality boundaries. Their powers encompass conducting investigations, making arrests, and carrying out regulations that govern the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages and other goods regulated by the state.

The significance of being empowered with full police authority is that it allows excise police officers to act decisively in the enforcement of state laws without being restricted to the jurisdiction of individual local law enforcement agencies. This broad authority is crucial for maintaining statewide regulatory compliance and ensuring public safety in relation to the distribution and consumption of alcohol and related items.