Division Chief Eric Crittendon named Security and Preparedness Director for South Bend Community School Corporation
The South Bend Community School Corporation’s Board of School Trustees has named Division Chief Eric Crittendon to serve as the Security and Preparedness Director for the district effective March of 2023.
Crittendon has worked as an Indiana law enforcement certified instructor and defensive tactics instructor. He is a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership Academy and co-founder, past treasurer and past president of the Indiana School Resource Officers Association.
Crittendon serves as the patrol division chief for the South Bend Police Department. He has been a member of the city’s police force since 1990. He served as a School Resource Officer for 16 years, and has supervised SBCSC’s SROs for the past decade. Crittendon is a certified school safety specialist in Indiana.
“With 33 years of police experience, Chief Crittendon has spent more than half of his life serving our city and our department,” said South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski. “I am encouraged that his new role will allow us to maintain a good working relationship with the ultimate goal of better protecting the students and staff of South Bend Schools.”
As the district’s Security and Preparedness Director, Crittendon will oversee the safety of facilities, assist principals and security staff in maintaining discipline and order, and provide comprehensive safety training for employees.
Crittendon has been instrumental in strengthening security measures within the school district before and following the referendum’s passing. Measures to improve school safety over the past year include the adoption of SafeVisitor systems in all school buildings, updating and improving video surveillance, and reviewing and fortifying emergency response and safety plans.
“We cannot imagine a better leader for this task than Chief Crittendon,” said Kareemah Fowler, assistant superintendent of business and finance. “He’s a proud alumnus of our district and a native son of our city. He knows and understands the needs and challenges of our students, families, coaches, and teachers. With his guidance, I believe that our safety plans will serve as blueprints for other districts moving forward.”
“Chief Crittendon is known for his dedication to our students and their wellbeing,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Cummings. “His expertise and understanding of our schools and city climate are tailored for this crucial responsibility of keeping our promise to provide safe places of learning for all.”