Doug Gillespie, Former Las Vegas Sheriff

Douglas Gillespie started his career in Law Enforcement with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on November 11th, 1980. For the next 34 years, Doug worked in many capacities and ultimately became the elected County Sheriff leading LVMPD for the final 8 years of his career. He attributes his success at LVMPD to his rural upbringing in upstate New York as well as his broad range of assignments at Metro. Doug was born in Abington, Pennsylvania and moved to New York when he was 7. Doug developed an interest in Law Enforcement at a young age although no one in his immediate family was in law enforcement. After graduating high school, Doug attended college at Rochester Institute of Technology, graduating in May of 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Fortunately for him, he tested for LVMPD while a senior at RIT and in the fall of 1980, LVMPD called with a job offer. Doug seized the opportunity and never looked back.

During his career at LVMPD, Doug worked many assignments. His broad range of assignments prepared him for the most challenging position he ever held, The Elected Sheriff of Clark County, Nevada. The elected Sheriff is by State Statute the head of LVMPD, a metropolitan police department. In 1973, the Clark County Sheriffs Department merged with the Las Vegas City police department to form LVMPD. When compared to other police departments across America, LVMPD is one of the 10 largest police agencies in America.

Doug vast experience gave him the knowledge and confidence to lead LVMPD. Before becoming Sheriff, Doug worked many assignments within the department and became very familiar with Patrol, Training, Special Assignments, the Detective Bureau and the County Jail. Doug also gained experience in the support side of the agency as well. Doug was a founding member of the LVMPD Foundation, and also the Health and Welfare program for all commissioned employees.

Since his retirement in January of 2015, Doug has spent the majority of his time doing things he just did not have enough time to do when working. Doug is married to his wife Louise and they have two grown daughters. Doug is also a very proud Grandpa and has 3 granddaughters. Doug continues to work with his police department. He comes back at least 2 times a year and does some lectures on Leading in Law Enforcement. He also continues to mentor members of his agency.