Charles Scriven joined the Jacksonville Police Department in 1955 and was later promoted to chief, making him the first African American police chief in Jacksonville. In 1973, Sheriff Dale Carson merged the Duval County Road Patrol with the Jacksonville Police Department.

In 1975 he earned a Master of Arts degree from Stetson University, retired from the sheriff’s office and was appointed as the first African-American Parole Commissioner by Governor Reuben Askew. After retiring from the Parole Commission in 1987, he was appointed to the Florida Division of Alcohol and Tobacco until his retirement in 2003 at the rank of Major.

In 2019, Mr. Scriven was formally inducted into the Fraternal Order of Police and received a public apology for the decades-long failure to admit him into the organization. On September 13th 2021, Florida Sheriffs Association Executive Director Steve Casey presented Mr. Scriven with The Florida Sheriffs Association Distinguished Service Award in Tallahassee for his lifetime of achievement.

Charles Scriven’s accomplishments are many and varied. He is a trailblazer, a leader, and a true asset to law enforcement. In 1955, Mr. Scriven became one of the first African American officers in the Jacksonville Police Department. He was quickly promoted to police chief, making him the first African American police chief in Jacksonville. In 1973, Sheriff Dale Carson chose Mr. Scriven to head up the newly merged Duval County Road Patrol and Jacksonville Police Department. Under his leadership, crime rates fell sharply and he was widely hailed as an effective law enforcement leader.

In 1975 he earned a Master of Arts degree from Stetson University, retired from the sheriff’s office and was appointed as the first African-American Parole Commissioner by Governor Reuben Askew. After retiring from the Parole Commission in 1987, he was appointed to the Florida Division of Alcohol and Tobacco until his retirement in 2003 at the rank of Major.

In 2019, after decades of being denied membership into the Fraternal Order of Police, Mr. Scriven was finally admitted into the organization and received a public apology for the long delay. On September 13th 2021, Florida Sheriffs Association Executive Director Steve Casey presented Mr. Scriven with The Florida Sheriffs Association Distinguished Service Award in Tallahassee for his lifetime of achievement. This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to law enforcement in Florida through their dedication, commitment, and service. Charles Scriven is a recipient who is truly deserving of this honor.

Mr. Scriven’s formal induction into the Fraternal Order of Police ceremony beginning at 30:17 – 51:11.

Charles Scriven is a man who has dedicated his life to law enforcement and public service. He is a trailblazer who has broken down barriers and paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps. His many accomplishments are an inspiration to us all. It is my hope that his story will encourage more people of color to enter into law enforcement so that we can continue to make our community stronger and safer for everyone involved.