1st African American Woman Runs For Sheriff Of Mecklenburg County
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Aujiena “Gina” Hicks, a 29-year law enforcement professional, has announced her intention to run for 46th Sheriff of Mecklenburg County.
Hicks is the first African American woman to seek election for this office.
Hicks says “I can confidently lead the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office without compromising standards, policy or the safety of employees and residents. The best teacher for leadership development is not limited to education but experience and accountability. My 29 years of experience of building collaborative and impactful relationships emphasize my ability to serve as the Sheriff of Mecklenburg County.”
While announcing her candidacy, Hicks spoke about rising safety concerns within The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office including spikes in serious attacks on officers, security breaches, and overall safety concerns for inmates and officers alike.
Hicks says although The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office used to serve as a blueprint for law enforcement agencies nationally and internationally, she believes under current leadership this is no longer the case.
She says the current leadership has fostered an unprofessional work environment where both officers and inmates are not safe, which is why so many staff are leaving.
Hicks says “It is safe to say that the once noted level of service, security and professionalism held and given by The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and its principles has been compromised severely and significantly, making it not only unsafe for all but a hazard to our community.”
Hicks, with 18 years of experience serving the Mecklenburg County community and residents incarcerated, hopes to restore the Sheriff’s Office to the level of professionalism it once was by running for office.
“As the first African American female to seek this office, I am aware of the shoulders that I stand on and I am grateful for those who have served before me and made this opportunity possible. I am passionate about serving others and keeping our communities safe. I look forward to restoring the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office to the level of professionalism of the past and I look forward to again gaining your trust by listening, learning, leading, and serving the citizens of Mecklenburg County.”
Hicks’ Background:
As a native of Brooklyn, New York Hicks says she began her law enforcement career in The New York City Department of Corrections at Rikers Island as a Corrections Officer.
From there, Hicks served at The West Virginia State Division of Corrections and received U.S. Secret Service clearance to train at The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, where she graduated with honors.
These accomplishments led to her employment by The U.S. Department of Justice at The Federal Bureau of Prisons, but Hicks say it wasn’t until she relocated to Mecklenburg County that she truly defined her career as a law enforcement professional.
At the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, Hicks has served the community and residents incarcerated for 18 years.
Hicks says she served as a Detention Officer in multiple areas including Substance Abuse Treatment, before being promoted to Field Training Officer, Sergeant, Captain, and liaison in the areas of Substance Abuse Treatment and Training.
Hicks holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Business Administration.
