ABOUT

Scotty Johnson is a lifelong Cincinnatian who has spent his career in public service of the city that he loves. At a young age, Scotty’s father taught him to “always stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone”

Over the course of a 33-year career with the Cincinnati Police Department as a beat cop, school resource officer, SWAT negotiator, or public liaison, Scotty never wavered in his commitment to integrity. Scotty was one of the initial Community Oriented Policing (COPs) officers in 1989 and began a long career being a bridge builder between the police department and the community, including social services, schools, and housing resources.

In April 2001, Scotty, as President of the Sentinel Police Association, was the first police officer to take responsibility on behalf of CPD amidst the unrest following the shooting of Timothy Thomas. Though his stance wasn’t popular with many, including his colleagues on the force, Scotty never shied away from standing up for what he believed in, even if it meant standing alone.

Scotty’s bravery in 2001 was a catalyst for the formation of Cincinnati Action Now (CAN) and the Cincinnati Collaborative Agreement, the basis for police-community relations locally and a model for the nation. After serving as Director of Security for Mayor Mallory, Scotty became a counselor and advisor to three police chiefs before retiring in 2019.