The Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) announced on Tuesday, Jan. 14 that former Overland Park, Kan. Chief of Police John Douglass will become the director of safety and security for SMSD. Douglass’s appointment is to be officially approved by the SMSD board at the January 27 meeting.
Douglass began working at the Overland Park Police Department (OPPD) as a patrol officer in February 1973 and has been a detective, sergeant, a member and commander of the Emergency Response Team (SWAT), lieutenant, major and assistant police chief. Douglass has been Chief of Police since March 1996.
While working with the OPPD, Douglass worked with area school districts, including SMSD, to implement the School Resource Officer (SRO) program.
“School safety is more important than ever and we are pleased to have Chief Douglass, who has a wealth of experience and familiarity with our schools and community, join us to lead our district police force and safety and security efforts,” SMSD superintendent Jim Hinson stated in a press release.
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