Michael A. Jackson (politician)

For other people named Michael Jackson, see Michael Jackson (disambiguation).
Michael A. Jackson
Sheriff of Prince George's County
In office
December 2, 2002 – December 6, 2010
Preceded by Alonzo D. Black II [1]
Succeeded by Melvin C. High[2]
Personal details
Born (1964-03-29) March 29, 1964[3]
Cheverly, Maryland, U.S.[3]
Political party Democratic[3]
Alma mater
Profession Politician, policeman
Website https://twitter.com/michaelfor27b
Military service
Allegiance  United States of America
Service/branch  United States Marine Corps[3]
Years of service 1982–1985[3]
Unit U.S. Marine Corps Reserve[3]

Michael A. Jackson (born March 29, 1964) is the current Maryland state delegate for District 27B in Prince George's County and is on three committees.[4] Jackson is also the former Sheriff of Prince George's County, Maryland. Pursuant to Maryland Common Law, Jackson's position as the elected sheriff made him the senior law enforcement official of his jurisdiction and his authority superseded all others within the county.[5] Jackson, a Democrat, served for two terms, from 2002 to 2010. The area that he served contains an estimated 820,852 residents,[6] holds the Washington Redskins Stadium (Fedex Field, the largest stadium in the NFL[7]), the University of Maryland, College Park, and the National Harbor.[8] Although violent crimes had dropped since 2006, in 2007, Prince George's County reported over 130 homicides, the highest rate of any county in Maryland.[9][10][11]

Early life and education

Jackson was born on March 29, 1964. From 1982 to 1985, Jackson served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. In 1986, he received his B.S. in electronic engineering technology from the DeVry Institute of Technology and graduated from the PELP (Police Executive Leadership Program) master's program at Johns Hopkins University.[12]

Career

Sheriff of Prince George's County

After joining the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office, Jackson became the Fraternal Order of Police 112/DSA union president. In 2002, Jackson won the election for county sheriff by a narrow margin against the incumbent sheriff, Alonzo D. Black. Jackson was also the President of the Maryland Sheriff's Association until his retirement in 2010.[13] Jackson is a member of the American Legion post 275; is a member of the Moose Lodge 453 and the Mitchellville Kiwanis Club.[12] His 2010 campaign for County Executive of Prince George's County was unsuccessful when he lost to Rushern Baker.[14]

Jackson's department created the first 24-hour domestic-violence unit in the State of Maryland[15] He is a recipient of the 2008 Victims' Rights Caucus Award, and the Allied Profession Award.[3] In 2007, he also received the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.[3][16] His department also received the 2007 Governor's Award.[17]

Berwyn Heights mayor's residence drug raid

In July 2008, Jackson's agency, investigating a drug-smuggling ring, raided a private residence in Berwyn Heights, Maryland, handcuffing and interrogating those inside, and shooting two dogs. Almost immediately afterward, the home was revealed to be that of Cheye Calvo, the mayor of Berwyn Heights. The incident ignited much local and national controversy, with allegations of excessive force, civil rights violations, and failure to co-ordinate with the Berwyn Heights Police Department.

Jackson spoke at a number of press conferences following the incident, in defense of his Department's role in the raid.[18] Despite the controversy, the department did not officially clear the Calvos of wrongdoing until 2010. While an internal investigation by the Sheriff's department claimed to have found no wrongdoing, and Sheriff Jackson publicly praised the officers involved, a lawsuit was filed, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is monitoring the situation, as part of a civil rights review requested by the Calvos.[19] In addition, Maryland Senator Thomas V. "Mike" Miller said, "The people of Prince George's County demand better" and also stated that he pleaded with Jackson to make an adequate apology for the incident. It took more than a year for Sheriff Jackson to offer any kind of apology whatsoever.[20]

In August 2010 while campaigning to be elected county executive, Jackson stated, "We've apologized for the incident, but we will never apologize for taking drugs off our streets," adding "Quite frankly, we'd do it again. Tonight."[21] Prince George's County settled the lawsuit in 2011, paying an undisclosed sum to Calvo, and agreeing to create new regulations on the treatment of animals and the deployment of SWAT teams.[22]

Family dog killed while serving eviction notice

Two days after the Jackson said, "Quite frankly, we'd do it again. Tonight.", another family dog was killed by one of his deputies. The deputy was supposed to wait for animal control to arrive but failed to follow proper procedures for serving an eviction. As a result, another county resident, Donna Williams of Forest Heights was the latest victim of what Mayor Calvo said, "is part of a pattern."[23] According to county spokeswoman Sergeant Yakeisha Hines, "the only reason Animal Control is asked to be on scene, is to take possession of the dog after the family is evicted." In this case, Sheriff Jackson's agency was not evicting Donna Williams, but only serving her with an eviction notice.[24] Donna Williams indicated that she did not believe they knocked. When asked for comment, spokeswoman Hines merely stated, "That's her opinion." Williams was hospitalized for post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, Williams said Jackson told her that he was sorry but that his deputies "did what they had to." Even before an internal investigation by the department was completed, Sheriff Jackson said he "did the right thing."[25]

Campaign treasurer indicted for union embezzlement

Jackson testified in August 2010 that one year before his campaign treasurer was accused of embezzlement from the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge, he had rejected the union president's requests that he review evidence of the alleged embezzlement. After his treasurer was indicted, Jackson suspended her with pay from her Sheriff's department position. When asked whether it was permissible to steal union funds, Jackson stated, "I have no opinion on that."[26] [27]

Personal life

Jackson is married, and has one child.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/36loc/pg/jud/sheriffs/former/html/00list.html
  2. ↑ State of Maryland. "Melvin C. High, Sheriff, Prince George's County, Maryland". Maryland State Archives. State of Maryland. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 State of Maryland (February 20, 2013). "Michael A. Jackson, Sheriff, Prince George's County, Maryland". Maryland State Archives. State of Maryland. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  4. ↑ "Jackson, Michael A. - Maryland General Assembly". Open States. Retrieved 2015-02-20.
  5. ↑ 2006-2007 Edition Maryland Criminal Laws & Motor Vehicle Handbook with Related Statutes including Legal Guidelines, (c) 2006 Gould Publications
  6. ↑ Prince George's County, Maryland - Population Finder - American FactFinder
  7. ↑ Stadiums of the NFL-FedEx Field-Washington Redskins
  8. ↑ Contact Information
  9. ↑ County homicides top count from 2006
  10. ↑ Rondeaux, Candace (2007-04-25). "Homicide Rate Soars In Year's First Quarter". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
  11. ↑ "Capital News Service wire feed". umd.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  12. 1 2 "Michael A. Jackson, Sheriff (biography)". Maryland Archives. Retrieved 2007-12-09.
  13. ↑ "Meet the Sheriffs". Maryland Sheriff's Association. Retrieved 2007-12-06.
  14. ↑ Spivack, Miranda S. (September 16, 2010). "Rushern Baker's victory suggests wish for change in Prince George's". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  15. ↑ http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5244/is_200401/ai_n19595004. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  16. ↑
  17. ↑
  18. ↑ Witt, April (2009-02-01). "Deadly Force". The Washington Post. pp. W08. Retrieved 2009-02-02.
  19. ↑ Helderman, Rosalind S.; Davis, Aaron C. (2008-08-07). "FBI to Review Raid That Killed Mayor's Dogs". "The Washington Post". Retrieved 2008-08-08.
  20. ↑ Valentine, Daniel (2010-08-27). "Majority of Prince George's senators back Baker". Gazette.net. Retrieved 2015-02-20.
  21. ↑ Valentine, Daniel (August 5, 2010). "Prince George's county executive candidates defend their records". Maryland Gazette. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  22. ↑ Valentine, Daniel (January 24, 2011). "Prince George's County settles Calvo suit". The Gazette. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  23. ↑ Castaneda, Ruben (2010-08-07). "Sheriff's deputy serving eviction notice fatally shoots Md. family's dog". The Washington Post.
  24. ↑ Mastis, Lindsey (2010-08-09). "Mayor Questions Sheriff Over Shooting Death of Rottweiler". WUSA 9. Retrieved 2015-02-20.
  25. ↑ Castaneda, Ruben (2010-08-10). "Prince George's Co. deputy shoots, kills dog during eviction". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2015-02-20.
  26. ↑ Castaneda, Ruben (August 14, 2010). "Pr. George's sheriff says he declined to review evidence in alleged embezzlement". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  27. ↑ Michael A. Jackson (August 2, 2010). Jackson Disposition. Retrieved August 14, 2010.
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