Jennifer Griffith knew from a young age that she wanted to be a police officer.
“I saw firsthand as a little girl the positive impact law enforcement made in our community,” she said.
Griffith joined the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in 2012 and currently serves a school resource officer when school is in session and a road deputy when school is out of session.
She graduated from Crawfordsville High School, then attended Danville Area Community College and Indiana State University for general education. In addition to her departmental training at the MCSO, Griffith received law enforcement training at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and graduated with the 196 class. She also received additional training and or obtained instructor credentials in D.A.R.E., S.A.F.E., A.L.I.C.E., CPTED and L.E.A.D.
“I am an ‘Advanced SRO’ certified by NASRO,” Griffith said. “I am also currently a ‘School Safety Specialist’ for Indiana Department of Education. I am a current member and continue training with INSRO and NASRO.”
Prior to becoming a full-time law enforcement officer, Griffith worked three to four years as a 911 dispatcher. She also served as a reserve officer for the sheriff’s office for one to two years before applying for the deputy position.
In her current role as a school resource officer for South Montgomery School Corporation, Griffith said the relationships she forms with the students and staff is her favorite part of the job.
“I help bridge gaps between kids’ home life and school life,” she said. “In addition, I work in collaboration with the administrators and staff to help maintain a safe and secure learning environment. I often help kids by being a law-related counselor, law-related educator and a positive role model. I also investigate any violations of the criminal law that occur on the campuses.”
On the flip-side, her least favorite part of the job is having her first interaction with a student being a bad interaction.
“I have been an SRO for South for eight years and the kids, staff and parents are used to seeing me in the schools or at extracurricular activities in uniform,” she said. “I am often not recognized when I am out of uniform.”
Griffith is married to Jake Watson, who is currently a sergeant with Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and has been on the department for over 20 years. They have four children, Ella Watson, Dara Watson, Evan Watson and Colton Watson. All four children attend Southmont schools.
She also is a member of Browns Valley Christian Church and serves as the nursery director.
Outside of work Griffith enjoys traveling, boating and attending her childrens’ activities and spending time with the couple’s friends.
