Passing of Sheriff Melvin C. High

The following comments are from the previous Chief Assistant Sheriff, and now current Prince George’s County Sheriff Darrin C. Palmer

It is with profound sadness that I am announcing the passing of Sheriff Melvin C. High.  Sheriff High was feeling ill and checked into Washington Hospital Center where he passed earlier today.  I have been in contact with his wife, Brenda, and his daughter, Tracy.  I have shared my personal condolences, those of the agency, our law enforcement community, and those of this community who dearly loved and respected Sheriff High.  The family is asking for privacy at this time and I implore everyone to respect their wishes.

Sheriff Melvin C. High was serving in and nearly completing his third term as the elected Sheriff for Prince George’s County.  He was first elected in 2010.  Over the last twelve years, Sheriff High modernized the Sheriff’s Office focusing on professional growth of the agency, top tier training, effective service delivery, and accountability.  A significant accomplishment has been accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) demonstrating contemporary, 21st century agency standards and the verified proof the agency meets or exceeds those standards.  The agency was accredited 4 years ago and received annual reaccreditation as recently as this year. 

Prior to becoming the elected Sheriff, Sheriff High served as the Chief of Police in Prince George’s County for five years, beginning in 2003.  During his tenure as Police Chief, he overhauled the agency policy manual and led the agency through the Department of Justice Consent Decree and Memorandum of Agreement.  During this important time, he also reduced violent crime in the County.

Sheriff High served as the Chief of Police in Norfolk, Virginia for ten years prior to coming to Prince George’s County where he introduced and instituted Community Policing.

Sheriff High started his law enforcement career in 1969 in Washington, D.C.  He rose through the ranks of the Metropolitan Washington D.C. Police Department to attain the rank of Assistant Chief of Police and served there as the second in command.

Sheriff High was a participating member of many organizations, including: the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Maryland Chiefs of Police Association, the Prince George’s County Police Chiefs Association, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, the Hampton Roads Chiefs of Police Association, the Association of FBI National Academy Graduates, the Maryland Sheriff’s Association, and the National Sheriffs Association. 

He held a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Tennessee State University and a Master’s Degree in Business and Public Administration from Southeastern University in Washington, D.C.

Sheriff High’s full biography is available on the website. 

I have had the pleasure of being associated with Melvin C. High for nearly 20 years now.  I have unending respect for him, and it has been the highlight of my professional career to have worked for and with him.  Sheriff High is the epitome of the law enforcement professional.  He is learned, thoughtful, caring, and the consummate teacher.  I have watched as he fielded calls from chiefs around this country seeking his input and guidance.  He always assisted.

He deeply loved this agency and worked tirelessly to grow and improve it, and he sought every day to make Prince George’s County a better place.  He lent his talents, not just to law enforcement, but to matters of health, education, and all aspects of government. 

Sheriff Melvin C. High was an exceptional human being who gave everything he had in service to others.  He is loved and will be deeply missed by everyone.

Sheriff High appointed me his Chief Assistant Sheriff when he took office twelve years ago. According to Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings, Section 2-309, upon his untimely passing, the role of the Chief Assistant Sheriff is to assume all the powers, duties, responsibilities, and obligations of the Sheriff.  As such, I was sworn in today at 3 p.m. to serve as Sheriff of Prince George’s County and will uphold that obligation until the new Sheriff-elect John Carr is sworn in next month. 

I want to thank the men and women, sworn and civilian, for their kind words and support during this very difficult time. 

I again share my deepest sympathies and condolences to the High family.  I know Prince George’s County mourns with me and our agency on their loss.  Eternal God, please let Sheriff Melvin High rest in peace. 

 

 

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