Contact Info

kjefferson@news4jax.com

Channel 4's crime and safety analyst Ken Jefferson was a 24-year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

During the course of his law enforcement career, he has served in numerous areas of the agency and the community. Among his various assignments, Ken accrued vast knowledge and experience as an administrative detective within in the Inspections and Accreditation Unit, an academy instructor, field training officer, burglary detective, sex crimes detective, police recruiter and federal program coordinator for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Drug Education for Youth  Program. In each capacity, he increased the performance and efficiency of the unit to which he was assigned.

In the latter role, Ken was recognized by the United States Attorney’s Office, along with the Office of Justice Programs/Executive Office of Weed & Seed for his “outstanding display of leadership, commitment, and coordination.” His ability to work with at-risk youth, mentoring teams, develop resources, provide training and technical assistance, and coordinate with various agencies has served as a national model for federal districts across the United States.

His vast experience and knowledge of the agency’s multiple divisions, units and operations served him well, in the role as the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office public information officer. In this capacity, he was honored as the Public Information Officer of the Year by the Florida Law Enforcement Public Information Officers Association (2006-2007). Ken was also the recipient of this award for the years 2007-2008 -- the first person to ever win this coveted award two consecutive years.

This recognition was bestowed for his contributions to the public image of the agency, his ability to manage information during an ongoing crisis and his ability to present internal and routine information about an agency.

He is the recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, given annually to one person in each state and has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to our nation’s communities through unselfish dedication and leadership.

In 2002, Ken received a lifesaving award for his quick and appropriate actions resulting in saving four young girls from drowning, after their vehicle was struck and became submerged in a nearby retention pond. He was the recipient of the 2008 Community Crisis Award presented to him by the Florida Law Enforcement Public Information Officers Association for his outstanding response to community crisis and major crime scenes. Ken is also the recipient of the 2011 Successful Role Model Award.

Ken serves as an executive board member of the Justice Coalition, as the vice chairman. He also serves as a board member with Jax Metro Credit Union, Girls Inc. and Keiser University.

As WJXT's crime and safety analyst, he provides a law enforcement perspective on crime and other issues and helping to keep the community safe with his weekly advice and tips.

He holds a master’s degree in Theology from St. Thomas Christian College, as well as an honorary doctorate degree.