SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind.  – The Southwest School Corporation in Sullivan County is forming its own police department and has named Jim Dotson as its chief.

Dotson is a certified school resource officer and a retired Indiana State Police Officer with 25 years’ experience.

In a press release the School system said that the goal of the SWSC Police Department is to provide increased safety and security measures for the students and staff. Over the course of the next several months, Chief Dotson and SWSC administrators will work to establish a fully-functioning police department that will offer consistent, daily coverage at each building and a point of contact for security across the district.

“This is a positive move for the safety and security of the students and staff at all SWSC Schools,” explained Chief Dotson. “I would like to thank Superintendent Stitzle, Assistant Superintendent Stuckey and the Southwest School Corporation Board of School Trustees for looking forward and creating the Southwest School Corporation Police Department.”

A grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security will help cover the cost.