[Archived] National Association Recognizes Highest-Ranking, African-American Official for Alexandria Sheriff’s Office

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	February 24, 2006 PIO# 059-06/rdo	Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

National Association Recognizes Highest-Ranking,
African-American Official for Alexandria Sheriff’s Office

The National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ) has recognized Veronica Mitchell, Chief Deputy of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, for her service and dedication to the City, staff, and the field of criminal justice. Ornetta Lockette-Slaughter, Vice President of the NABCJ’s Northern Virginia Chapter, presented her with a commemorative plaque to honor her achievements. Mitchell is the highest-ranking, African-American official for the Sheriff’s Office.

Mitchell, an Alexandria native, attended City schools and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice from George Mason University. She joined the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office in 1978 as a deputy sheriff and received subsequent promotions to sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and chief deputy.

She headed the Security Division at the Detention Center from 1994 to 2001. As head of the division, she oversaw the work of 100 deputy sheriffs who are responsible for maintaining safety and security for the facility. The Detention Center houses approximately 450 local, state, and federal inmates.

Mitchell assumed responsibility of primary liaison functions between the Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshal’s Service after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The two agencies coordinate the handling of the nation’s highest profile and highest security-risk inmates.

The National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice was founded in 1974 and is a multiethnic, nonpartisan, nonprofit association of criminal justice professionals and community leaders dedicated to improving the administration of justice. Membership and participation in the activities of the association are open to all, regardless of race, creed, or country of national origin.

For more information on Chief Deputy Mitchell, call Capt. Tony Davis of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office at 703.838.4111, extension 4171.

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