Meet Your Local Law Enforcement: Perkins County Sheriff Jeffrey Scott Miller
Sheriff Jeffrey Scott Miller has dedicated much of his life to public service and keeping the community of Perkins County safe. Born and raised in Southern California, Miller’s journey to Nebraska and law enforcement has been driven by a desire to help others and uphold the law.
Miller began his career with the Perkins County Sheriff’s Office in December 2010, serving as a deputy, sergeant, and chief deputy before briefly moving to the private sector in September 2023. He returned in February 2025, when the County Board appointed him sheriff.
“Getting into law enforcement seemed like the right career and lifestyle path for me because I wanted the ability to proactively make my community a safer place to be,” Miller said.
The sheriff’s path to Perkins County wasn’t straightforward. After earning law enforcement certification in California, Miller faced limited job opportunities due to the recession. Nebraska offered both professional opportunity and a family-friendly environment. “The close proximity to Denver, where we have family ties, and the welcoming, clean community of Grant made this the right place for us,” he said.
Miller completed the Nebraska academy to meet state standards, describing the experience as “basically getting twice the education.” His most rewarding moments, he said, come from helping people through difficult situations and working with a professional, dedicated team. Challenges arise when community members are dissatisfied with law enforcement decisions, though he recognizes that criticism often stems from what the badge represents, not individual officers.
Living in Grant, Miller is deeply connected to the community he serves. His wife works locally, and their children attend school in town. “We are firmly planted in this town and have a vested interest in maintaining all that ‘The Good Life’ stands for,” he said.
A typical day for Miller starts with school patrol in the mornings, followed by office work including report review and administrative tasks. Afternoons are spent meeting with deputies, patrolling highways, and engaging with community members. Miller says he particularly enjoys responding to unexpected calls, the moments he calls “doing cop stuff.”
Outside of work, Miller enjoys hunting a variety of wildlife, riding motorcycles, and participating in a law enforcement motorcycle club spanning western Nebraska. He also serves on the board for the local Teammates program and attends church regularly.
Looking ahead, Miller said the department’s primary focus is to continue providing high-level service to county residents and travelers. “We would like to have another deputy or two on staff to make the schedule a little easier on everyone,” he said. He encourages the public to follow the department’s Facebook page for updates and information.
“People helping people is why Perkins County is such a great place to be,” Miller said. “We appreciate citizens’ involvement and ownership of the general safety of the community so long as it is lawful. If crime is observed, report it. If someone is in need, be willing to lend a hand.”
For those considering a career in law enforcement, Miller offers this advice: “Get involved. Do ride-alongs, talk to officers, volunteer. If helping make the community a better place sounds like a good career path, then maybe it’s time to start looking into it.”