Indiana

After more than four years in his position as state CIO, Tracy Barnes is preparing for his January departure, when a new governor will take the reins from Gov. Eric Holcomb. Barnes has been with the state nearly a decade.

Driven by student interest and funded through student fees and philanthropy, a new esports facility with 25 new gaming computers is open for both competitive and recreational gaming.

The state is broadening a cybersecurity vulnerability assessment program to include water and wastewater utilities. Officials aim to do at least 342 tailored security examinations by 2026 to help local governments.

In a move to enhance cybersecurity and digital services statewide, the Indiana Office of Technology is offering no-cost websites to all local governments, using its purchasing power with Tyler Technologies.

Indiana is one of the first states to deploy a beta version generative AI chatbot on its official website. Conscientious of unintended consequences, Indiana is focusing on transparency, user feedback and iteration.

Some Indiana State University students are helping solve crimes through their processing of digital forensic evidence as part of a High Tech Crime Unit, having even assisted with a recent prosecution.

The robotic arm consists of 3D-printed pieces, screws, a circuit board and four motors. Despite its size, there is a gripper on the end of it, capable of picking up small items, like a screw.

Police Chief Mike Lee said the technology is part of the Flock Safety law enforcement system, which also includes license plate readers in Anderson and in several other locations in Madison County.

Five years ago, Indiana enacted a law offering tax incentives for data centers to help pave the way for the Digital Crossroads data center at the site of the former State Line Generating Plant in Hammond.

The Gary Police Department received $264,000 in Community Project Funding to purchase more license plate reader technology for the city, adding to the 170 they currently have.

Plus, Indiana is getting more than $81 million in broadband funding, new research suggests AI is directly related to digital equity, and more.

The funding from the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program is aimed at bringing Internet to more than 34,000 locations in 54 counties. Service providers and others can access it with a 20 percent match.

The director and assistant director of the county’s Board of Elections and Registration became certified elections registration administrators through Auburn University and The Election Center.

The state of Indiana has implemented a tool called Pivot, which leverages artificial intelligence to support job seekers by unveiling potential career paths personalized to their career goals. Later this year, it will begin to take on other tasks.

While some concerns about filling government IT roles persist, eliminating education requirements, leaning on skills-based qualifications and expanding internship programs are helping states find new talent.

Director of Communications and External Affairs, Indiana Office of Technology

New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said his agency’s body camera deployment has “made our community better.” Police officers at the city department have been using body cams since the summer of 2023.

Making good on the promise of generative AI requires a foundation of clean data and clear policies. Chief data officers and AI experts weigh in on practical ways to build a strong program.