Sheriff Mike Scott: Protecting home and community

Sheriff Mike Scott A third generation Lee County native, Sheriff Mike Scott considers illegal drugs, gangs, grow houses and traffic violations serious criminal issues as well as direct affronts on his home town - these are problems he really cares about.

"We have always lived here and this is where our roots are," Scott says of his family, including his wife and two daughters, 18 and 15. "For me, law enforcement is about protecting homes and families."

Formally buttoned up and in the uniform every day, Sheriff Scott originally planned to go directly into the military. Very influenced by the leadership he experienced in the ROTC, he was firmly headed in that direction until his parents encouraged him to wait. After two years at Edison Community College, Scott attended the University of South Florida where he decided in his senior year to pursue law enforcement. Further education included completing an MBA, a Master's in political science and continuing training even today in shooting, driving and other pertinent skills.

"I am a deputy sheriff and have to be prepared as much as anyone else in the department."

Sheriff Scott describes his leadership style as "management by walking around."

"It's not unusual for me to show up at the jail to say hello," explains Scott. "Yesterday, I was in Bonita Springs and Boca Grande in the same day - probably the two farthest points in Lee County. I am very humbled by my position and want to make sure I am out there every day, in touch with the community and with the 1,500 people involved in Lee County law enforcement. It's been said that you can't lead if you're too far ahead."

Relating to the other officers on a personal as well as professional level, Scott calls everyone in the department on their birthdays to let them know he's thinking about them. He perceives himself as the coach of a team.

"My philosophy is that no matter who the coach is, you need the people who can hit the ball, run the bases and hit home runs. Whatever the case is, we all have to perform in the field."

Asked if he still loves his job after 20 years in law enforcement, Sheriff Scott responds enthusiastically.

"I love it. I am a very high energy person and I'm doing something I really care about, something I want to be doing for a very long time."