Orlando Police’s first Black officers—Belvin Perry Sr. and Richard Arthur Jones—began their careers in 1951, they had secondhand cars and no radios.
They could issue arrests, but if the suspect was white, they weren’t allowed to take them to jail.
Despite these challenges, they served Orlando with professionalism and distinction.
Belvin Perry Sr., Richard Arthur Jones, John W. Jordan, Otha Lee Kelly, Mayo Howard and Gainous Wright were the first Black officers for the OrlandoPolice.
This is Black history. We thank you for you bravery and hard work!
