Indianapolis, IN – Indiana has appointed Julie Q. Smith as the inaugural director of the newly formed Office of School Safety, a move officials say underscores the state’s commitment to protecting students across Hoosier schools.
According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Smith brings decades of experience in law enforcement and has served as a school resource officer. In her new role, she will lead efforts to provide students with a secure environment for learning and growth.
Governor Mike Braun, who made the announcement Tuesday, said the appointment fulfills a pledge from his State of the State Address to prioritize the safety of children. “As a national leader in school safety, Julie is uniquely qualified for this role and I have complete faith in her leadership,” Braun stated.
The Office of School Safety, established in 2025 by Indiana Code 10-19-3.5, is tasked with training and certifying school safety specialists, developing security guidelines for school facilities, and creating emergency response protocols. The office also coordinates with the Indiana Department of Education, the Institute for Criminal Justice, and other state agencies to address safety issues and conduct school safety reviews.
Officials said the office will assist schools in forming mutual aid disaster assistance agreements and will direct response and recovery operations in the event of manmade or natural disasters impacting school grounds.
Smith’s appointment comes as safety concerns remain a priority for educators, parents, and lawmakers statewide. By centralizing safety initiatives under one office, Indiana leaders say they aim to streamline resources and strengthen security in schools from urban districts to rural communities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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