Jerry KellerJerry Keller

Born November 24, 1946, Jerry Keller is a lifelong Las Vegas resident who graduated from Western High School. He attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he earned a B.A. in Science and Education.

He began his law enforcement career in September 1969 when he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff with the Clark County Sheriff's Department. Following his promotion to the supervisory ranks, his assignments were diversified and his advancement rapid. In addition to Patrol, Sheriff Keller has served in Criminalistics, Internal Affairs, the Police Employee's assistance Program (PEAP), and SWAT/K9. Sheriff Keller also served as a hostage negotiator for several years.

In January 1993, he was promoted to Deputy Chief in command of Administrative Services Division. He assumed the position of Sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in January 1995.

Sheriff Keller's career has been characterized by innovation, and a "can do" philosophy, as evidenced by the following list of his accomplishments:

Sheriff Keller's Accomplishments as a Police Officer

  • Implemented the Bicycle Patrol Units on the Las Vegas Strip, and in the Downtown Core
  • Organized the Street Narcotics Unit
  • Member of the original Hostage Negotiations Team
  • Began the Homeless Enforcement Liaison Program (HELP)
  • Started the Police Employees Assistance Program (PEAP)
  • Graduate of the FBI National Academy in 1989
Programs implemented by Sheriff Keller
  • Regional Jail Commission
  • Domestic Violence Unit
  • First Tuesday
  • Local Chiefs Committee - Partners in Law Enforcement
  • Citizens' Youth Academy
  • Drug Investigation Combined Enforcement (DICE)
  • Z2 - Zero Weapons Zero Tolerance
Sheriff Keller's Career
  • Deputy Chief of Administrative Services, 1993-95
  • Captain of the Northeast Area Command, 1991-92
  • Captain of the Southeast Area Command, 1990
  • Captain of the Criminalistics Bureau, 1987-90
  • Lieutenant in SWAT/Canine Street Narcotics Unit, 1986-87
  • Lieutenant in charge of Police Employees Assistance Program, 1984-86
  • Sergeant in Internal Affairs, 1983-84
  • Sergeant in the SWAT Unit, 1980-83
  • Field Training Sergeant in Patrol, 1977-80
  • Sergeant in Criminalistics, 1975-77
  • Officer, Patrol and Criminalistics, 1969-75
Sheriff Keller's Professional Affiliations
  • Major Cities Chiefs, President
  • Nevada Sheriffs and Chiefs Association, member
  • National Sheriff's Association, member
  • Police Executive Research Forum, member
  • Nevada Advisor Commission on Sentencing, chairman 1995-97
  • International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), member
Sheriff Keller's Awards
  • 1993 Law Enforcement Official of the Year, NV Conference of Police and Sheriffs
  • 1993 Veterans in Politics, "Top Cop" Award
  • 1995 Respect for Law Honoree, Luncheon Optimist Club of Las Vegas
  • 1995 Humanitarian of the Year Award, 100 Committed Men Helping Boys
  • 1996 LV Chamber of Commerce Community Achievement Award for Public Service
  • 1997 Asian Community Achievement Award, Asian Chamber of Commerce
  • 1998 Man of the Year Award, Independent Order of Foresters
  • 1998 Good Samaritan Award, Opportunity Village
Always a positive thinker and a "people-person," Jerry is known to bring out the best in people. This is furthered by his uncanny ability to call a large number of the department's more than three thousand members by their first names. He also stresses to the officers and civilian members that Metro is their department, not just his. As Sheriff, Jerry has also ushered in a new era of cooperation with the citizenry. His "First Tuesday" program for instance, allows citizens to visit their area command each month to meet with officers and other members of the criminal justice system, and share their concerns. In addition, two radio shows - Partners with the Community, and Police Officers Promoting Unity, were begun as vehicles to better interact with the community.

Jerry is married to Charlotte, has four children, and three grandchildren. His hobbies include: golf, fly fishing, and fly tying.


The Law Enforcement Programs are Applied Programs of Rio Salado College.