David Maddox appointed Tipton chief of police

Tipton city officials have announced the appointment of David Maddox as the next Chief of Police.

Maddox, a 15-year member of the Tipton Police Department (TPD) and current School Resource Officer (SRO) for Tipton Community School Corporation (TCSC), began serving in this role on Monday, May 11.

Maddox brings more than a decade of local law enforcement experience to the position, having served with TPD since 2011. Since the fall of 2018, he has served as TCSC’s SRO, a role that places a full-time sworn law enforcement officer in the school setting to support school-based policing, crisis response, student mentorship, and coordination between the school corporation and the police department.

Through his work as SRO, Maddox has become a familiar and trusted presence for students, families, educators, and residents. His responsibilities have included serving as a liaison between TPD and the school district, supporting school safety planning, and advancing the nationally recognized triad model of school-based policing: law enforcement officer, informal counselor and mentor, and educator.

Maddox holds several school safety and law enforcement-related credentials, including Advanced School Safety Specialist through the Indiana Department of Education, Master-Level School Resource Officer through the Indiana School Resource Officers Association, and National Practitioner through the National Association of School Resource Officers. He also served as School Safety Coordinator for TCSC and holds a leadership role with the Indiana School Resource Officers Association, where he serves on the organization’s executive board as First Vice-President.

As Chief of Police, Maddox will be responsible for leading TPD’s operations, personnel, policies, training, community engagement, and public safety priorities. His experience working across law enforcement, education, youth mentorship, crisis response, and interagency coordination aligns closely with the city’s expectations for a police chief who can lead with professionalism, accountability, integrity, and a strong commitment to community-based policing.

Schmicker

“Officer Maddox has already made a significant impact on the Tipton community through his efforts to establish the School Resource Officer program at Tipton Community School Corporation,” Mayor Kegan Schmicker said. “Officer Maddox’s statewide relationships, community rapport, and leadership skills will directly benefit him in this role.”

Maddox said he is honored to continue serving the community in this new capacity.

“Tipton is home, and I care deeply about the people, families, officers, and community partners who make this city what it is,” Maddox said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Tipton Police Department and look forward to working alongside our officers, city leadership, schools, businesses, and residents to strengthen trust, support public safety, and continue building a department that serves this community with professionalism and pride.”

City officials remain committed to supporting a police department that is visible, accountable, responsive, and engaged with the community it serves. Under Maddox’s leadership, the department will continue focusing on public safety, officer development, community partnerships, and maintaining strong relationships with residents and local institutions.

Maddox’s appointment represents an opportunity for leadership continuity while also positioning the department for continued growth and modernization. The city looks forward to supporting a smooth transition and working with Chief Maddox as he leads TPD into its next chapter.

Selection process for new School Resource Officer

Considering Maddox’s new role as Chief of Police, he will spearhead the selection process for the next SRO at TCSC. This effort will be conducted in collaboration with the school corporation, the Mayor’s Office, and key community members.

“We will be investing time during the summer months to find the right fit for this critical role at Tipton Community School Corporation,” Maddox said. “Beyond the responsibilities outlined in the contract, we are searching for a candidate who is committed to investing time in extracurricular activities and building robust relationships with the administration, staff, and students throughout the corporation.”

This collaborative approach emphasizes the importance of integrating the SRO into the school community, ensuring they not only fulfill their law enforcement duties but also actively contribute to a safe and supportive educational environment. The selection process will prioritize finding an individual who embodies the values of community engagement and mentorship.