Austin, TX—Tonight, the Austin Independent School District's Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Eric Mendez as the new Austin ISD police chief.

In 1999, Mendez left the Kingsville police department to join Austin ISD police as a midnight patrol officer. He then became a school resource officer at what was then Johnston High School, now Eastside Memorial High School. After serving two years as an officer, Mendez earned the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain.

In his new role, Mendez plans to expand the Gang Resistance and Education Training program in the district. AISD launched GREAT in 2007 at three middle schools and has since expanded the program to several elementary schools.

"It is important for the public to understand the role of school police officers, which is different from a city police officer," Mendez said. "Every disciplinary incident is a learning moment for a student and we are committed to ensuring every student has success in their education."

The AISD police department is the first school district in the state to meet the rigorous standard to be honored as a recognized agency by the Texas Police Chiefs' Association.

Mendez begins his new role as police chief Aug. 29. He will lead almost 100 employees including officers, dispatchers and emergency management team members throughout the district.