Sheriff Amir D. Jones

Sheriff Amir D. Jones leads New Jersey’s largest Sheriff’s Department, serving over 850,000 residents in Essex County. Elected in November 2024, he became the youngest Sheriff in the county’s modern era and its first African American man to hold the office.

Since taking office, Sheriff Jones has focused on modernizing law enforcement and deepening community trust. He launched a Community Engagement Unit, raised more than $160,000 to expand safety and outreach initiatives, and broadened youth programming to reach thousands of students. He swore in the department’s first African American Chief, underscoring his commitment to diversity and inclusive leadership. His reforms include introducing drones and advanced tactical vests, expanding digital communication with residents, and creating the “Ask the Sheriff” series to model transparency.

Jones has championed health and wellness by advancing opioid awareness, minority mental health programming, and large back-to-school drives. He also founded and chairs the Essex County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach nonprofit.