Black History Month: New Jersey's first African American sheriff
On Jan. 1, 2011, Mildred Scott was sworn in as the first African American sheriff in the state of New Jersey.
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The Middlesex County Sheriff’s office dates back to the 1600’s, however the department wouldn’t see an African American at the helm for hundreds of years.
On Jan. 1, 2011, Mildred Scott was sworn in as the first African American sheriff in the state of New Jersey.
Added to the list of firsts, she’s also the first female Sheriff of Middlesex County and was also the first female chief sheriff’s officer.
"There are more people coming through that door and that was my thing when I went through the academy that I would open up the door for more females to get in the field of law enforcement," Sheriff Scott said.
Sheriff Scott knew she wanted to be in law enforcement as early as the mid-1960’s when she was inspired by a neighbor in her hometown of Perth Amboy.
"My interest was piqued by a Black police officer by the name of Walter Gibson. He lived across the street. Everyday coming out, I would have this conversation with him," he says.
In 1968, a career in the sheriff’s department was born. In 1970, Scott, a new mom, was also one of the first two women to graduate from the academy and be sworn in as a sheriff’s officer. Scott continued moving through the ranks first as a sergeant, then as a lieutenant, then as chief in 1991.
"If I had to do it all over again, I’d do it the same way," she says.
In 1995, Scott retired from the sheriff’s department.
"I had three granddaughters born that year and I retired to take care of them. So, I say I hung up my weapon and strapped a baby bottle," she says.
But a career in public service continued. Scott served as a councilwoman in Piscataway for 12 years, she later became the first African American freeholder in Middlesex County. Then in 2010, she came back to law enforcement and ran for the sheriff’s office and won. Sheriff Scott is committed to inspiring officers to reach their highest potential continuing a legacy that opens doors.
Middlesex County Sheriff’s Officer Myesha Caraballo was a Newark police officer until she was laid off and is thankful for Sheriff Scott for paving the way as she works on her own legacy.
"It’s great to have someone to open the door but you have to continue to pave the way. I’m glad I’m here to open the door for the next generation," she says.
"A career high is to see a young officer come in here inspired to be something that they want to be and to see them come up through the ranks," Scott said.
Sheriff Scott, who is a mother, grandmother and a great-grandmother, currently leads a department of 240, which includes officers and civilians.
She hopes being the first won’t make her the last.
