Article by:
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Communications Staff
In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, where dreams are both made and shattered, one individual stands out as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Newly sworn-in Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officer Jalil Briley, a Las Vegas native, has overcome numerous challenges in his life, rising above adversity to make a positive impact on his community. From his beginnings in the Historic Westside to his journey through education, athletics, and his eventual calling to law enforcement, Officer Briley's story exemplifies resilience, compassion, and a commitment to serving others.
Briley remembers growing up near Vegas and Owens, often riding his bike around to the community center, library, and church. "We always looked at the community as a family," Briley recalled. Briley's mother, Katherine Duncan, played a huge role in shaping Briley's passion for helping. "I always tell people, my mom did two things to me. She gave me my heart and compassion towards family and the community. She also taught me how to work too," Briley added. Briley says his mother showed him the importance of getting involved and equal opportunities for all. "She was always a big advocate for everyone who lives on that side of town, just trying to revitalize it and make sure we had the resources we needed," said Briley. Briley's late father, Curtis Briley, also instilled a sense of discipline and accountability. "My father was raised with the Nation of Islam. I basically learned a lot of discipline and a lot of knowledge through them," added Briley. He witnessed firsthand the efforts of LVMPD in community policing, notably through the Bolden Little League, which had a profound impact on his perception of law enforcement.
The challenges in Jalil's life continued when he and his mother were forced from their home during a foreclosure in 2011. The move uprooted his family, and he changed schools attending Bonanza High School for his sophomore through senior years. However, Briley's determination never wavered, and he excelled academically, consistently earning a place on the honor roll. While at Bonanza, football became a turning point for him, offering a new environment and valuable life lessons from Head Coach Chad Dobar, who reinforced the importance of hard work and perseverance. Briley took that advice to heart, becoming football captain in his senior year, and his social prowess landed him prom king.
Jalil's hard work paid off, earning him scholarships for college. While attending UNLV, he chased his football dreams and walked onto the team in 2016. He also pursued his education degree with the idea of becoming a teacher and returning to his high school to inspire others. Eventually, he shifted his focus to major in Communication, aspiring to connect with people and make a positive difference in their lives.
After completing his diploma in the fall of 2019, Jalil's plans to showcase his talents in front of NFL scouts were thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was during this time of uncertainty that he received a phone call from Bonanza High School Assistant Principal Todd Nelson, offering him an opportunity to work with students. Although teaching was his initial goal, fate had different plans. A chance encounter with the Las Vegas Police Protective Association during a charity football game sparked a new direction for Jalil.
Intrigued by the association's emphasis on family and community, Jalil consulted with his loved ones and made the life-altering decision to pursue a career in law enforcement. His personal experiences with LVMPD had been positive, and he recognized the importance of fostering a strong relationship between the police and the community. The tragic events surrounding George Floyd's death further fueled his desire to become a positive force for change within law enforcement.
As Officer Jalil Briley embarks on his career with the LVMPD, he hopes to redefine the perception of law enforcement in the community. His aim is to promote understanding, eliminate biases, and bridge the gap between police and diverse cultures. Officer Briley recognizes the significance of cultural sensitivity training and appreciates the positive examples of police-community relations in today's world.
From a young boy facing adversity to a dedicated officer committed to community engagement, Officer Jalil Briley knows of others who have been inspired by his journey and are now considering a career in law enforcement with LVMPD. His experiences have shaped his vision for a more inclusive and understanding police force. By embodying the values of family, community, and social justice, Officer Briley is poised to be a role model and catalyst for reform, leading the way towards a brighter and more harmonious future for Las Vegas.