On November 17, 2020, William Briggs was nominated by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to serve on the city’s Board of Police Commissioners.
"Our city is leading the movement to reimagine public safety, revitalize our commitment to racial justice and support our courageous police officers who keep our city safe. And I’m confident that William Briggs will bring an extraordinary record of leadership and commitment to the fight for fairness, equity, and a safer Los Angeles,” said Mayor Garcetti.
Mr. Briggs is a trial lawyer and civil litigator with broad experience in the entertainment industry. He represents some of the top talent in film, television, music, and sports. He has experience in state, federal, and appellate courts, and with arbitrations, involving intellectual property disputes, complex entertainment contract disputes, partnership disputes, rights of publicity and First Amendment issues, and employment matters.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Briggs is heavily involved in civic and community affairs. In 2014, Mayor Garcetti appointed him to be a commissioner on the Los Angeles City Employees Retirement System, where he was responsible for overseeing the pension and disability benefits for city employees. Mr. Briggs also served as a trustee on the Sierra Canyon School Board of Directors and has provided pro bono legal services to the Alliance for Children’s Rights.
“I’m honored to serve as a member of the Police Commission and grateful to Mayor Garcetti for this opportunity to give back to a city that has done so much for me,” said Briggs. “This is an extraordinary moment to add my voice and perspective to the work of shaping L.A. into a model of 21st century policing, fostering and building trust between our communities and law enforcement, and helping to ensure our city is a safer and more secure place for everyone who calls it home.”
The Police Commission oversees the Los Angeles Police Department, helping to implement recommended reforms, improve service to the public by the department, reduce crime and the fear of crime, and initiate, implement, and support community policing programs. Its members generally meet weekly and discuss crime trends and policy issues with the police chief and other commanders. Mr. Briggs’ appointment to the commission is subject to approval by the City Council.
The nomination was covered by the Los Angeles Times, My News LA, KTLA 5, Yahoo News, and Watch Our City.