Secretary, North Carolina
Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

Governor Michael F. Easley reappointed George L. Sweat as Secretary of the NC Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for his third term on January 13, 2005.

Secretary Sweat made history when Governor James B.Hunt, Jr. appointed him as the very first Secretary of the newly created DJJDP on July 20, 2000. Prior to his appointment, he served as Director of the Office of Juvenile Justice, housed in the Governor's office.

As a father and grandfather, Secretary Sweat has a passion for young people. He works daily to make sure the State continues to create success youth, and that every North Carolina child will have a chance to succeed. He strongly believes in early intervention/prevention, and community-oriented juvenile justice. He is proud of the Department's accomplishments since its establishment, and believes it serves as a national model for juvenile justice and delinquency prevention issues.

A native of Winston-Salem and career public servant, Secretary Sweat has over 29 years of experience in law enforcement. A graduate of East Carolina University with a BS/BA degree in Business Administration, Secretary Sweat began his career in law enforcement in 1970 with the Winston-Salem Police Department as a police officer. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1975, Lieutenant in 1978, Captain in 1983, and Major in 1985. In addition to being named Assistant Police Chief in 1986, he was an honor graduate of the Southern Police Institute's Administrative Officers Course at the University of Kentucky at Louisville. In 1987, he was named Chief of the Police Department, and served as Chief for 12 years. Immediately upon his retirement in January 1999, Secretary Sweat began his second career in State Government.

Secretary Sweat and his wife, Lenna, are the proud parents of three children, and seven grandchildren. He is the son of George P. and Alma Sweat of Winston-Salem, NC.