Former NFL wide receiver Laveranues Coles is beginning an intriguing new chapter at 47. He has in the past, and recently again, become the de facto police chief of Jacksonville. After a legendary career on the gridiron, Coles is dedicating his life to taking care of his community. Whatever the reason, his decision should come as a surprise to most people. Coles’ salary begins at $68,472 in the academy’s specialized field training program. He’s dedicated to changing the culture and keeping his streets safe in district five, known as the most dangerous district in the country.
Coles’ path to becoming a law enforcement officer comes after a tough history of physical and emotional strife. As a player, he survived 153 NFL games – seven known concussions and four hip replacements later. But he’s even more devoted to this fledgling profession, possessed by an intense urge to better himself. He views it as an opportunity to be close to people who are suffering, a gift he’s shown all his life.
Nobody expected his bravery in 2005 to disclose the heartbreaking truth of his childhood trauma, and be praised universally for his honesty. This vulnerability has informed his outlook on policing, allowing him to relate to the people he interacts with on patrol.
A New Purpose in Law Enforcement
Coles has produced an inspiring turn from the gridiron to the pavement. For a year, he attended police academy training sessions with one goal in mind—to be the best police dog imaginable. 770 hours of basic law enforcement training required by the state. On top of that, he completed an additional 500 hours that the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office required. Coles endured many harrowing tests in his academy training, like being tased and pepper-sprayed—unsettling experiences for anyone, let alone a child.
Through these trials, Coles continues to be determined as ever in his new direction. “They didn’t tell me how hard this was going to be,” he remarked, reflecting on the intensity of the training process. Despite these challenges, he has a larger vision fueling his efforts. “It’s what wakes me up in the morning,” he said of the work, noting the personal satisfaction he receives from his role in assisting people.
Coles will complete his own probationary period as a police officer on Jan. 23. After just one year of service his salary increases to $70,032. His commitment to making the leap to this new role is clear and impressive. He now feels that making this career change was “the best thing that ever happened” to him.
Connecting with the Community
Perhaps one of Coles’ most admirable attributes is his humility and willingness to connect with those facing the most trying circumstances. When he recently faced an elderly man who was stealing groceries, he chose kindness and understanding. Instead of resorting to punitive measures, Coles chose to engage with the man, showcasing his gentle side and dedication to de-escalating potentially volatile situations.
On a recent patrol, Coles had the opportunity to showcase his unique de-escalation tactics when his soothing voice helped bring down an inflammatory situation on the scene. His hard work and dedication didn’t go unrecognized by his peers and community members. Jimmie Collins, a fellow officer, praised him, stating, “He’s the right person for this job, for everybody in the city of Jacksonville and for the citizens.”
Coles’ approach aligns with the broader goals of community policing, which emphasizes building trust and rapport between law enforcement and residents. His training has given him some unusual perspectives that he uses to his advantage while representing unique district five.
Reflecting on His Past
Coles’ legacy is not without its controversies. In 1999, he was arrested for felony theft in Tallahassee with his teammate Peter Warrick. Yet this faux pas has cast a pall on his image, with some even accusing Coles of occasionally playing the victim himself. Steve Yarnell commented on this aspect of Coles’ narrative: “Coles tries to portray himself as a victim in most of the incidents in which his actions have caused him to get into trouble.”
Coles is quick to recognize the lessons he’s taken from those experiences, and how they inform his positive perspective today. He confesses that even though he tries to move on from it, his fiancée says he still has trauma in his heart. “My fiancée, she thinks I’m still traumatized by that to this day, based on how I carry myself,” he shared candidly.
Even through all of these obstacles, Coles has an optimistic outlook on the path he’s had to take. “Now, I’m actually the one pulling up to the scene trying to make things better,” he noted, highlighting his commitment to proactive engagement within the community.
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