After a collaboration between the Indianola Community School District and the Indianola Police Department to hire a School Resource Officer last year, the Indianola Police Department has seen success with more community engagement as a result of the new position. Police Captain Brian Sher tells KNIA News Officer Jay Hackett not only spends time at Indianola High School and Middle School, but is also using the position to provide safety and be a party of the community at other events.

“One thing he does at the beginning of the week, I get an email on Monday about what the plan is for the week, what sporting events he is going to and what ones he might miss, and he loves to go and interact with the families and the kids. A lot of times, he will be there which is a great thing for safety, for everyone as he gets to know the kids and the community, it’s been a wonderful program so far.”

Captain Sher tells KNIA News Officer Hackett and other officers are present for other events such as a football game on Friday night.