Austin ISD Sergeant Wayne Sneed was recently selected to the inaugural class of Austin’s African American Leadership Institute. Sneed is one of 38 professionals and leaders accepted into this year’s institute. 
 
The African American Leadership Institute is designed to enhance civic awareness and leadership opportunities to lead to changes in practices and policies in Central Texas. The program is being launched with support and guidance from Leadership Austin and other advisors. 
 
Participants will have opportunities to make connections that could lead to greater equity, opportunity and a higher quality of life for all of Austin’s citizens. It will also engage corporations to explore policy, process, and cultural aspects that can improve their ability to attract, equip, retain and promote more Black professionals. 
 
“We are tremendously pleased, and the district congratulates Sergeant Sneed in this recent appointment,” said Austin ISD Chief of Police Ashley Gonzalez. “We are proud to have Wayne represent the district and our community in this important program and work that will occur as a result.” 
 
Sergeant Wayne Sneed has been with Austin ISD for nine years. He is currently the district’s community engagement and mental health officer. He began his law enforcement career as a police officer for the San Marcos Police Department in 1982 and has over 38 years of service with both criminal justice and law enforcement agencies. 
 
Officer Sneed received his Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Business Management degrees from Texas State University. He is a certified inspector general with the National Association of Inspector Generals. He has also earned the Certified Public Manager designation from the William P. Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University-Round Rock. Governor Greg Abbott appointed Sneed as an Advisory Board Member to the “Texas Juvenile Justice Advisory Board.” 
 
For more information, please visit the African American Leadership Institute website. 
 
About Austin ISD Police Department 
The Austin ISD Police Department establishes a safe and secure environment for our future leaders to learn, grow and succeed both inside and outside the classroom. 
 
The Austin ISD Police Department employs 89 full-time police officers, including 43 school resource officers, 20 patrol officers and two mental health coordinators. There are two SROs assigned to every high school campus and one SRO assigned to every middle school campus. The patrol officers primarily assist with calls for service and safety patrols at our elementary campuses. 
 
The department also employs 39 civilian staff, including dispatchers, office support staff, emergency management and life safety systems personnel. The department provides general law enforcement, security and safety services for AISD 24 hours a day, year-round.