The Vincennes Community School Corporation (VCSC) board has approved a new measure to establish a dedicated police department for the school district.

The decision follows months of discussions with city leaders, the Vincennes Police Department and others.

The aim of the new School Police Department is to strengthen school security by providing dedicated, on-campus officers focused specifically on building relationships with students and staff, similar to how the VU Police Department operates at Vincennes University.

VCSC Superintendent Mr. Parsley cited the need for school resource officers (SROs) who can address safety within schools rather than responding to wider community incidents, which often stretch VPD resources.

VPD will continue to offer support through walkthroughs and as-needed presence but cannot meet the full demand for SROs within the schools.

As part of the transition, SRO Aaron Luce who has been the VPD’s Public Information Officer,  has been appointed as the VCSC’s first police chief. The department is expected to be operational by January 6, 2025, in time for the start of the second semester.

While the VCSC Police Department will operate independently, it is designed as a partnership with the city of Vincennes. Officers will undergo the same state-mandated training required for all law enforcement and will also receive specialized SRO training. Additionally, VPD has agreed to assist with training and resource support to ensure the new department is fully equipped.