Enid Public Schools has named Jason Priest as the district’s first Director of Safety and Security/Campus Police Chief. Board of Education members approved Priest’s selection during their regular meeting Monday night.
According to Superintendent Dr. Darrell Floyd, in this district-level position, Priest will further develop and oversee EPS’ comprehensive safety and security program, as well as provide guidance and counsel to administrators concerning the safety and security of EPS students, staff and property.
Additionally, Priest will supervise the EPS Police Department, will continue to serve as a campus police officer, and will work closely with the Enid Police Department and other law enforcement agencies on behalf of EPS.
“Our greatest responsibility as a school district is to provide a safe learning and working environment for our students and our staff. This has always been and will continue to be our utmost priority,” Floyd said. “We are excited to have Jason fill this new role for the district because his work will be critical as we work to strengthen and enhance safety and security efforts in our schools. From emergency planning to day-to-day matters with students, we know his experience and expertise will greatly benefit EPS and those we serve.”
Priest, who joined the EPS team in December as a police officer, said he is excited to begin his new role with the district, noting that school safety is most effective when it is a community effort.
“I am very honored to have been selected for this position and look forward to serving Enid Public Schools,” Priest said. “I believe that children, and the people we entrust to teach them, are a precious asset to this world and must be protected with all resources available to us. I look forward to working with teachers, administrators, and the many wonderful local agencies that we have in Enid/Garfield County to ensure the safety and security of our school district.”
Priest, an Enid native, has committed much of his adult life to ensuring the safety of citizens in his hometown. He has more than 13 years of experience in law enforcement, including EPD and the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department. While working for EPD, he earned the rank of sergeant and supervised other officers.
For his service to the community, Priest was named Enid Police Officer of the Year in 2014 and was twice voted Enid’s Best Police Officer in the Enid News and Eagle Reader’s Choice Poll.
“Jason’s rapport with local law enforcement agencies and Enid residents will be very valuable to the district because, when we work together, we have even more resources and caring individuals to serve students and their families,” Floyd said. “It is definitely a plus to have someone in this position who knows our community and who has already invested and built relationships with so many.”
Priest is CLEET certified, as well as FBI-trained in crisis negotiations. He has served as a field training officer, field training sergeant, narcotics/violent crimes investigator, community police officer and a member of the criminal interdiction unit.
Priest holds an associate’s degree in business administration from Northern Oklahoma College and a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in accounting. His other work experience includes time with Hiland Partners, Triangle Insurance and Atwoods.
