Arizona NOBLE diversity in law enforcement
Safeguarding families by being the conscience of law enforcement
Doeg Nelson
First Black American Assistant Chief of Police in Arizona
Doeg Marvin Nelson was born on September 25, 1931, in Doddridge, Arkansas. He attended Carver High School in Phoenix, Arizona, where he graduated with honors in 1949. He served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1953. In 1954 he joined the City of Phoenix Police Department as a patrolman where he served 25 years. It was through his work with the Phoenix Police Department that he is best remembered. He was the first Black to attain the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and finally Assistant Chief. In the process of attaining the position of the highest-ranking Black Police Officer in the State, Doeg was frequently put in controversial race-sensitive situations, which prompted him to become closely associated with various community organizations while maintaining a professional relationship with the Police Department. These affiliations caused the creation of the Police Community Relations Bureau, the Police Athletic League, Recruitment of Minority Personnel (ROMP), and the Community Policing concept, now hailed as a national model.
Following his retirement from the Department, he designed and headed the Security System for the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. He was later chosen to head the Security Program at the Arizona Center. Doeg’s contributions to Police Science were hailed nationally. He was invited to Washington, D.C. in 1994 by then-President Clinton to attend a crime leadership briefing and assist in the development of anti-crime legislation. He was featured in Jet Magazine for his many accomplishments.
Doeg was involved in church from early childhood. He served in numerous capacities in the church for many years including Chairman of FIBCO Family Services. His many other awards and accomplishments included: Membership on the President’s National Commission on Crime Prevention, National Association of Social Workers Outstanding Service Award; Superior Service Award, American Society for Public Administrators; Lifetime Achievement Award in Law Enforcement; Man of the Year for the Minority Broadcasters and Phoenix OIC; and Outstanding Citizen Award from the Urban League. Also, the local chapter of NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement), of which he was a member, was named after him.
Recent Events
Policing and Homelessness Symposium
Honoring Black Law Enforcement Officers
Policing and Homelessness Symposium
AZNOBLE partnered with Arizona State University Academy for Justice for round table discussions with experts regarding homelessness.
Mental Health Symposium
Honoring Black Law Enforcement Officers
Policing and Homelessness Symposium
AZNOBLE partnered with Arizona State University Academy for Justice for round table discussion with experts in the mental health profession.
Youth Engagement Symposium
Honoring Black Law Enforcement Officers
Honoring Black Law Enforcement Officers
AZNOBLE partnered with Tempe Union High School District and Arizona State University Academy for Justice for critical discussions with our young adults. Topics included social media, mental health and policing practices.
Honoring Black Law Enforcement Officers
Honoring Black Law Enforcement Officers
Honoring Black Law Enforcement Officers
AZNOBLE partnered with National University to pay tribute to trailblazers, living legends and new officers to watch during Black History Month. Attendees were honored by the presence and inspirational words of the family of Chief Doeg Nelson, Detective Earliest Nelson and Detective John Davis.