Matthew Blakelock, currently a captain with the Conroe ISD Police Department, will be the next chief of the department when current Chief William Harness retires in June, according to a Feb. 28 CISD news release. Harness has been with the district for 26 years, according to the release.

Information on the district website states Harness began his law enforcement career in 1973 at Houston Police Academy and served with the Houston Police Department for 20 years before accepting a position as captain with Houston ISD Police Department and joining CISD in 1996.

“I want to thank you for this opportunity to lead one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the best school district in Texas," Blakelock told the board in a statement following the announcement of his appointment.

According to the district, Blakelock said his core principles in policing include preventing crime, earning community support and respecting community principles.

CISD Police Department is the third-largest law enforcement agency in Montgomery County, according to the news release.