(Indianapolis, IN) – Governor Mike Braun announced Tuesday that Julie Q. Smith will serve as the first Director of the newly-created Indiana Office of School Safety.
Smith is a Sergeant in the Columbus Police Department, and has been on the force for 20 years.
She oversees the School Resource Officer (SRO) Division in Columbus, which is comprised of 18 schools.
Smith is a former SRO for Bartholomew County Schools.
Braun said the office’s mission is to take a proactive approach to school safety – a goal he highlighted throughout his campaign for governor.
“Providing a safe and secure environment for Hoosier students to learn and grow is a top priority for me both as Governor and as a father and grandfather. Our Office of School Safety puts that priority into action, and Sergeant Julie Q. Smith is uniquely qualified and dedicated to this mission to strengthen our schools and help students thrive,” said Gov. Braun.
His office says Smith has distinguished herself as a national leader on school safety.
She is a National Instructor for the National Association of School Resource Officers as well as Regional Director for the Midwest states, President of the Indiana School Resource Officers Association, and has been recognized for her proactive, evidence-based leadership on strengthening schools and promoting school safety legislation.
“I’ve dedicated my career to keeping students safe, and it’s an honor to put my experience to work strengthening Indiana schools and communities as the Director of the Office of School Safety,” Smith said.
