The Culver Community School Corporation now has its own police department.
The Culver Community School Board members approved a resolution Monday, May 6 that creates The Community Police Department-Culver Schools. It follows the standards of Indiana Code 20-26-16.
Superintendent Karen Shuman told Kankakee Valley Broadcasting that School Resource Officer Ryleigh Carr recently completed the Police Academy and was named chief of police of The Community Police Department-Culver Schools. According to the resolution, the position of chief of police shall report to and work under the supervision of the superintendent of schools and/or designee.
It also states that all personnel in this department must be certified and trained by the authority of the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board.
Per Indiana code, a school corporation police officer is a law enforcement officer. The officer may exercise the powers granted only upon any property owned, leased, or occupied by the school corporation including the streets passing through and adjacent to the property.
The code also states that “…in addition to any other powers or duties, such police officers shall enforce and assist the educators and administrators of their school corporation or charter school in the enforcement of the rules and regulations of the school corporation or charter school and assist and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies and officers.”
The resolution passed by the board notes that the members recognize “the importance of establishing and maintaining rigorous standards for the selection, training, and supervision of persons with police powers operating in a school community environment.”
