Liles' focus is his community

On Wednesday, Liles retired his badge after 32 years of service with the Murray Police Department, and not before making an evident impact on his newfound community.

From growing the Murray police force and upgrading a new training facility to remaining an active part of volunteer and community efforts, the Florence native said he has held on to the values instilled in him by the two women who raised him — his mother, Arlenia Liles, and grandmother, Eula Brannon.

“They have since passed away, but they ingrained in me my work ethic and the drive to help others,” Liles said. “I have two older brothers, Chris and Wayne, and I still talk to them on a regular basis. They’ve always given me good advice.”

Liles graduated from Bradshaw High School in 1985.

Though he’d received a football scholarship and had signed with the University of North Alabama, he felt opportunity calling and found himself enrolled at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi.

In 1987, Liles was offered a scholarship to Murray State University by the school’s former head coach, Frank Beamer, who later went on to coach at Virginia Tech.

“There were a lot of great memories at Murray State. If it weren’t for the university, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Liles said. “I’ve been very blessed to be a part of this community.”

When Liles graduated in 1990, he expected to find a job teaching or coaching. He’d never considered a career in law enforcement, but while sitting at a kitchen table, he saw a job posting and decided to take a chance.

“Out of 100 applicants, I was chosen, and I know I was very fortunate for that,” he said.

“In 1991, I started with the Murray Police Department, and I went to Police Academy in Richmond, Kentucky. Back then it was 10 weeks; today, it takes 20 weeks to complete. I graduated in August of 1991, and my career just took off from there.”

That first year proved to be a big year for Liles. Not only did he change career paths to join the police force, he also married Melissa “Missy” Liles, who has called Murray home since she was in the fourth grade.

“She’s been by my side the whole time,” Liles said.

He agrees it was likely love that led him to set down some roots in his wife’s hometown, but it was also love of his new community that was the driving force behind his policing philosophy.

After working up the ranks, Liles was named chief in 2010.

Under his watch, the police department invested in programs like the Murray Police Youth Academy, a 10-week learning experience for elementary and middle school students that introduces them to many facets of working in law enforcement.

“We set them up a crime scene, show them different things around the department, show them what a traffic stop looks like, and introduce them to the K-9 unit,” Liles said.

“The kids love it. We have a great time, and at the end there is a graduation ceremony where they get a diploma and a T-shirt they can wear if they come to some of our events, or want to volunteer.”

Much of Lile’s law enforcement career involved a second passion — engaging and mentoring youth. In his first year as police chief, Liles assigned three full-time officers to each campus in the Murray Independent School District, which had no school resource officers prior to the dedication.

Aside from his involvement with primary schools, Liles also made a point to maintain a presence at the university where it all started for him.

“Football was a big part of my life. I traveled with the team and I still go to the university to talk to the athletes,” he said. “I talk to them about being a better citizen, a better husband or wife, what they can do to be a better employee in their future careers, and what they might face. I let them know they need to take advantage of the opportunities that are given to them in college and not to jeopardize that.

“These kids come from all walks of life. Some of them have probably never had a positive relationship with law enforcement before,” he said.

“While I don’t condone bad or criminal behavior, I’m not going to turn my back on them. I’ve always been that way. I’m here for them, and I think that’s a big part of building successful community relationships.”

That community outreach stretches further than engaging with students. Liles, a member of the local chapters of Rotary Club International and the Lions Club International, also helps organize an annual Community Night, and twice monthly hosts events like “Coffee with a Cop.”

Liles said the objective is to maintain a positive community presence and engage with area residents.

“Community events give people the opportunity to see their police chief, and it offers a place for them to take their concerns to the department. I let them know our door is always open,” Liles said.

“I tell my officers, if you see someone out mowing or walking their dog, stop and talk to them. Get to know them. Let them know we are a part of the community, too. They can give us information about what’s going on in their neighborhood. I can’t address concerns if I don’t hear about them.”

In 2018, the Murray police force had grown so much it required a new facility. Rather than spending funds on new construction, Liles said the former Murray City Hall was renovated to accommodate his department.

Today, the building boasts one of the best police training facilities in the state of Kentucky, and hosts other law enforcement officers from surrounding departments.

Murray said his accomplishments within his department and out in the community wouldn’t have been possible without the support of city and Murray State University officials.

“Our city administrators, the mayor and our 12 council members have all been outstanding. The president of the university, the athletic director, they have all been a big part of my success,” Liles said.

“Florence is my home. I love Florence, but when I first came here, I never thought this community would change my life the way it has.”

Chelsea.retherford@timesdaily.com or 256-740-5736.