STATEHOUSE (Aug. 12, 2025) – State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) recently joined Gov. Mike Braun for the announcement of the first director of Indiana's new Office of School Safety, which Davis helped champion this past legislative session.
Davis co-authored House Enrolled Act 1637 during the 2025 legislative session, which established the Office of School Safety in Indiana as part of Braun's Freedom and Opportunity agenda.
Braun announced Julie Q. Smith as the first director of the office. Smith is a sergeant in the Columbus Police Department and oversees the School Resource Officer Division there, comprising 18 schools. She is also a former school resource officer for Bartholomew County Schools.
"Our Hoosier students deserve safe and secure environments where they can thrive, learn and grow," said Davis, who serves as vice chair of the House Education Committee. "Protecting them remains a top priority, and this new Office of School Safety underscores that commitment to our students, parents and teachers. Sgt. Smith has a distinguished and long track record of keeping students safe, and she is an excellent choice as the first director of this new office."
Davis said the Office of School Safety is housed under the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and creates a cost-effective comprehensive place for state and local officials to collaborate on school safety matters.
The office will now oversee Indiana’s Secured School Safety Board and centralizes school safety efforts, ensures annual inspections, oversees safety plans and enforces standards, while boosting the security of Indiana’s students.
Davis said the office will also take on the previous responsibilities of the Division of School Building Physical Security and Safety that was under the Indiana Department of Education. This includes establishing and working with schools on safety and emergency plans and operating training and certification programs.
To learn more about HEA 1637 and other new laws signed by the governor, click here.
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State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
CAPTION: State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) (far left) joins Gov. Mike Braun (second from right) and State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) (far right) for the announcement of Sgt. Julie Smith (second from left) as the first director of the Office of School Safety on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Beech Grove. Davis co-authored a new law establishing the Office of School Safety to centralize Indiana's school safety efforts.
