Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
Encyclopedia
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (also known as the LVMPD or Metro) is a joint city-county police
force for the City of Las Vegas
and Clark County
, Nevada
. It is run by the Sheriff of Clark County, elected every four years. The current Sheriff of Clark County is Douglas C. Gillespie, who was recently elected to a second term.
The Sheriff is the only elected head law enforcement officer within the county. The other major agencies: Nevada Highway Patrol
(NHP), Henderson Police Department
, North Las Vegas Police Department
, Boulder City Police Department, Mesquite Police Department, and Clark County School Police Department are headed by chiefs that are appointed and serve for an indeterminate period.
Metro is the largest law enforcement agency in the state of Nevada
, and one of the largest police agencies in the United States
.
and the unincorporated areas of Clark County
.
In 1999, an outside audit, commissioned by the City of Las Vegas and conducted by DMG-Maximus, commended the department for having fewer managers and supervisors than are typically found in large police agencies. The audit also said that the managers, both sworn and civilian, were of "excellent quality." The auditors found that the recruitment and selection program was "among the best we have encountered in recent years". Although the City had planned to commission a second phase of the study, DMG-Maximus auditors said they were so impressed with the department that further study was unnecessary, saving the City $180,000 that had been allocated for the audit.
Currently, Metro has more than 5,100 members. Of these, over 2,700 are police officers of various ranks and over 750 are corrections officers of various ranks.
In 2006, Sergeant Henry Prendes became the first Metro officer in 18 years to be shot and killed in the line of duty. Officer Donald Weese died in the line of duty in 1989 as a result of a traffic accident, Officer Russell Peterson died in 1998 during a training exercise near Mount Charleston
. Officer Marc Kahre was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1988. He was the 22nd law enforcement official to be killed on duty in Clark County since the City of Las Vegas was founded.
In the early morning hours of May 7, 2009, Officer James "Jamie" Manor of Enterprise Area Command was driving in excess of 100 MPH without flashing lights or siren and killed as a result of a traffic collision while enroute to a possible domestic violence call. Officer Manor was the 23rd officer in Clark County to be killed in the line of duty.
On the night of October 7, 2009, Officer Milburn "Millie" Beitel and another officer in the passenger seat were both seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash. Officer Beitel died the early morning hours of October 8, 2009 due to his injuries. This incident came exactly five months after officer James Manor died in a crash in his patrol car.
On November 19, 2009, Metro Police Officer Trevor Nettleton was shot to death in his garage after exchanging fire with 3 men in a botched robbery attempt. Metro considers this death 'in the line of duty' as he drew his police weapon in defense of himself and family and has been laid to rest with full police honors.
On November 21, 2009, Corrections Officer Daniel Leach, while on duty, was killed in a car accident near Searchlight, Nevada
.
s, and privileged license investigations. Additional funding is generated from a special sales tax
to fund commissioned positions. By state law, the sheriff of Clark County is charged with running the county jail, known as the Clark County Detention Center or CCDC, which is funded solely by the government and tax base of Clark County.
Officers with the title of "detective are addressed as such by tradition and custom. However, unlike some other agencies, this is an assignment dependent title and not a formal civil service rank.
Major patrol responsibilities are covered by bike patrol
s, motorcycle units
and patrol cars
assigned to the following units:
The LVMPD is divided into eight urban area commands:
When Metro was formed in 1973, the Las Vegas Valley was served by only three area commands: North, South and West.
Other major coverage details:
The position of Commander has been used but, as of 2011, is not currently within the chain of command.
This department provides law enforcement services for all of Clark County, including the City of Las Vegas, yielding primary jurisdiction to the following agencies:
Four of the six elected Clark County Sheriff's since the LVMPD was consolidated in 1973 are former members of either the Clark County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) or Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD). Former Sheriff Young and current Sheriff Gillespie are retired members of the LVMPD (that is they were commissioned solely as members of the LVMPD) Sheriff Gillespie rose to, and retired at, the appointed rank of Undersheriff prior to assuming public office as the duly elected Sheriff of Clark
County.
The ranks of Undersheriff, Assistant Sheriff, and Deputy Chief are appointed from the highest civil service rank of Captain. These positions serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff and as such, if they lose the confidence of the person who holds that office, they can be returned to their civil service rank of Captain if they choose not to simply retire. Division Directors are civilian appointees that head Divisions as would a Deputy Chief. Of additional note, at various points in the department's history the appointed rank of Commander has been used between the ranks of Deputy Chief and Captain.
The undersheriff is second in command to the Sheriff. The position is currently held by Undersheriff Jim Dixon.
The Assistant Sheriff for Law Enforcement Services (Currently Raymond Flynn) oversees 3 divisions, each overseen by a Deputy Chief or Division Director. The divisions are: Technical Services Division (made up of the Criminalistics Bureau, Records Bureau, Fingerprint Bureau, and Logistics Bureau), Professional Standards Division (Office of Human Resources, Organizational Development Bureau, and the Internal Affairs Bureau), and the Communication & Technology Services Division (Communications Bureau and Information Technology Bureau).
The Assistant Sheriff for Law Enforcement Operations (currently Theodore Moody) oversees 3 divisions, each led by a Deputy Chief. The divisions are: Detention Services Division (made up of the Records Bureau, South Tower Bureau, Central Booking Bureau, North Tower Bureau, Administrative Operations Bureau, Staff Operations Bureau, and the Low Level offender Bureau), the North Patrol Division (made up of the Downtown Area Command, Bolden Area Command, Northeast Area Command, Northwest Area Command, Support Operations Bureau, and Traffic Bureau), and the South Patrol Division (made up of the Enterprise Area Command, Convention Center Area Command, Southeast Area Command, South Central Area Command, Airport Bureau, and opening in late 2011, the Southwest Area Command (Eldora)).
The Assistant Sheriff for Law Enforcement Investigations (currently Michael McClary) oversees two divisions, both led by a Deputy Chief. The divisions are: The Investigative Services Division (made up of the Robbery/Homicide Bureau, Crimes Against Youth/Family Bureau, Gang Crimes Bureau, and the Financial/Property Crimes Bureau), and the Homeland Security Division (made up of the Counterterrorism Bureau, Vice/Narcotics Bureau, Intelligence Led Policing Bureau, and the Organized Crime Bureau). The third division, Special Operations, was dispersed into the Homeland Security Division and North and South Patrol Divisions during the Sheriff's recent organizational restructuring in early 2011.
Area Commands and Bureaus are typically led by Captains. The Captains in turn manage a staff of 1 to 4 Lieutenants who in turn manage a staff of 4 or 5 Sergeants. Sergeants typically supervise 6-12 Police Officers, Corrections Officers, or Detectives and civilian support staff. Sections are typically led by Lieutenants.
A typical substation or Area Command has a Captain, 3-4 Police Lieutenants, 16 Police Sergeants, and 130-150 Police Officers.
The program was honored in 2011 as the winner for Outstanding Achievement in Law Enforcement Volunteer Program by the International Association of Chiefs of Police
.
The LVMPD operates its own training academy -- officially the LVMPD Recruit Training Academy, but referred to by members the department as 'The Academy'. New recruits are required to attend this intense and regimented 26-week academy. This includes those who have attended another police academy. The Academy is composed of a hand-picked training staff of senior police officers who are recognized experts in multiple fields, including police academics, patrol tactics, procedure, defensive tactics/martial arts, physical fitness, and firearms skills.
The Academy is headquartered at the Jerry Keller Training Facility next to the Northwest Area Command station. The first 12 weeks are held at this location. During this initial phase, the recruits' training is centered around intense physical conditioning, basic defensive tactics, and academic classroom instruction.
The remainder of the Academy is located at the Mojave Training Facility adjacent to the Northeast Area Command. At this facility, the recruit's training becomes less academic-based and far more practical-application-based. The concentration of the curriculum focuses on intense defensive tactics/martial art instruction and advanced police tactics. It is also during this phase that the police recruit receives firearms training and the Emergency Vehicle Operator's Course.
The LVMPD Recruit Training Academy is nationally regarded as one of the toughest police academies in the nation, both physically and academically. The drop-out or failure rate of The Academy is roughly 35 percent.
The LVMPD has a specific recruitment and Academy website. Visit the LVMPD recruitment and Academy web site.
In addition to police academics, the recruits must successfully complete a basic Spanish Language program which is taught throughout the Academy training.
(The LVMPD runs a separate academy for corrections officers. This academy is located inside the Clark County Detention Center (CCDC). and is similar to the police academy, but somewhat shorter in duration.)
Upon successful completion of The Academy, the new officers' training continues during an 19-week Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP), during which new officer rides side-by-side with a certified Field Training Officer (FTO) who grades and evaluates the officers' every moves and decisions.
The role of the FTO is also to train the new officer in real-world application of the skills he or she learned at The Academy in a student/master relationship. The new officer is assigned to a new FTO every three weeks for a total of 6 FTOs over two 'phases' (9 weeks Phase 1, 10 weeks Phase 2). The new officer must show a measured level of skill and competency to advance through the phases.
Those who do not successfully complete field training or probation are not-confirmed, that is, their appointment as police or corrections officers is deemed not to be confirmed during the probationary period defined by civil service - their commissions are revoked and they are terminated from the LVMPD. The combined rate of failure and voluntary withdrawal from FTEP is roughly 5-10%.
The final three weeks FTEP are 'solo' weeks in which the new officer rides by himself/herself for at least two shifts per week under the close scrutiny of his/her final FTO. At the successful completion of the FTEP program, the new officer is transferred to his/her first duty patrol squad and is officially a police officer with the LVMPD.
From the day the recruit enters the academy to the day he or she completes training and is a solo police officer patrolling the street is 45 weeks.
The LVMPD also places large emphasis on its continuing training for its commissioned police officers. LVMPD officers are required to attend quarterly firearms training and re-qualifications, quarterly defensive tactics training, a vigorous once-yearly Advanced Officer Survival Tactics course, monthly 'back-to-basics' training, various required on-line classes per year, and an additional mandatory 10 hours of new training per year selected from a vast list of classes offered by the LVMPD or other certified agency.
One complete shift every two weeks is also dedicated for squad-level training. This does not include special skill or specialized unit specific mandated training. The LVMPD encourages its officers to attend as much training as is possible to learn new skills and stay current with cutting-edge law enforcement techniques and tactics.
The Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) takes place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
. Police officers complete their initial course of training for EVOC at The Academy. Commissioned officers then must re-certify every two years during an additional 10-hour EVOC course.
Motorcycle officers must initially attend and pass a 3 week police motorcycle riders course. They then must re-certify every 6 months in order to continue operating a motorcycle for duty.
The department also operates two Citizen's Police Academies
. One of these is a regular academy and the second is a Spanish Citizen's Police Academy.
In early 2011 the department underwent a major reorganization. The continued economic downturn was one of the reasons for the changes. The office of the Undersheriff was not filled upon the retirement of Undersheriff Roderick Jett. The former Special Operations Division that contained many specialized units was dissolved and units formerly assigned were placed into other divisions of the agency. A commissioned Captain position was eliminated (but moved to a newly created Intelligence Led Policing Bureau) in the criminalistics bureau and replaced by a Civilian Executive Director. The Human Resources Division was disbanded and a new Professional Standards Division was formed. Units formerly under the Human Resources Division and in other areas of the agency were combined into the new Professional Standards Division. The reorganization was the largest in the last 10 years of the LVMPD. In addition various bureaus in the LVMPD where also reorganized and sections and details reassigned to the bureaus.
Organizational Structure in place as of May of 2011:
Detention Services Division (DSD)
Police
The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...
force for the City of Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
and Clark County
Clark County, Nevada
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 1,375,765 people, 512,253 households, and 339,693 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 71.6% White , 9.1% Black, 5.7% Asian, 0.8% American Indian and 12.8% of other or mixed race. 22.0% were Hispanic of any race...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
. It is run by the Sheriff of Clark County, elected every four years. The current Sheriff of Clark County is Douglas C. Gillespie, who was recently elected to a second term.
The Sheriff is the only elected head law enforcement officer within the county. The other major agencies: Nevada Highway Patrol
Nevada Highway Patrol
Nevada Highway Patrol is a division of the Nevada Department of Public Safety that is responsible for law enforcement across the entire state of Nevada...
(NHP), Henderson Police Department
Henderson Police Department
The Henderson Police Department is the police department of the City of Henderson in Clark County in southern Nevada. The Henderson Police Department is nationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies .-History:The City of Henderson Police Department...
, North Las Vegas Police Department
North Las Vegas Police Department
The North Las Vegas Police Department is the police department of the City of North Las Vegas in Clark County in southern Nevada....
, Boulder City Police Department, Mesquite Police Department, and Clark County School Police Department are headed by chiefs that are appointed and serve for an indeterminate period.
Metro is the largest law enforcement agency in the state of Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
, and one of the largest police agencies in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
History
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) was formed on July 1, 1973, by merging the Las Vegas Police Department with the Clark County Sheriff's Department. These agencies ceased to exist upon the creation of the LVMPD. Metro serves the city limits of Las VegasLas Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
and the unincorporated areas of Clark County
Clark County, Nevada
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 1,375,765 people, 512,253 households, and 339,693 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 71.6% White , 9.1% Black, 5.7% Asian, 0.8% American Indian and 12.8% of other or mixed race. 22.0% were Hispanic of any race...
.
In 1999, an outside audit, commissioned by the City of Las Vegas and conducted by DMG-Maximus, commended the department for having fewer managers and supervisors than are typically found in large police agencies. The audit also said that the managers, both sworn and civilian, were of "excellent quality." The auditors found that the recruitment and selection program was "among the best we have encountered in recent years". Although the City had planned to commission a second phase of the study, DMG-Maximus auditors said they were so impressed with the department that further study was unnecessary, saving the City $180,000 that had been allocated for the audit.
Currently, Metro has more than 5,100 members. Of these, over 2,700 are police officers of various ranks and over 750 are corrections officers of various ranks.
Radio system
LVMPD operates on a digital radio system (DesertSky), which was turned on in 2011. In 2010 the agency began a transition from the former analog system to this new digital radio system.Headquarters
Construction was completed on LVMPD's new 370,500 sq. ft. Headquarters, located at 400 S. Martin L. King Blvd, in mid-2011. LVMPD began moving in July 2011, and finished moving in early November, 2011. The HQ facility comprises of 27 bureaus which were previously located in various leased buildings around Las Vegas. LVMPD's HQ also houses the Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center, Police Records, and a Fingerprint Bureau annex.Fallen Officers
The LVMPD and the agencies that existed prior to consolidation to form the agency, the Clark County Sheriffs Office, and City of Las Vegas Police Department have suffered officers killed in action.In 2006, Sergeant Henry Prendes became the first Metro officer in 18 years to be shot and killed in the line of duty. Officer Donald Weese died in the line of duty in 1989 as a result of a traffic accident, Officer Russell Peterson died in 1998 during a training exercise near Mount Charleston
Mount Charleston, Nevada
Mount Charleston is an unincorporated town in Clark County, Nevada, United States. The population was 285 at the 2000 census.Named for Mount Charleston, the highest point in the area, the town is in a valley of the Spring Mountains to the northwest of Las Vegas, noted for its hiking trails, and for...
. Officer Marc Kahre was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1988. He was the 22nd law enforcement official to be killed on duty in Clark County since the City of Las Vegas was founded.
In the early morning hours of May 7, 2009, Officer James "Jamie" Manor of Enterprise Area Command was driving in excess of 100 MPH without flashing lights or siren and killed as a result of a traffic collision while enroute to a possible domestic violence call. Officer Manor was the 23rd officer in Clark County to be killed in the line of duty.
On the night of October 7, 2009, Officer Milburn "Millie" Beitel and another officer in the passenger seat were both seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash. Officer Beitel died the early morning hours of October 8, 2009 due to his injuries. This incident came exactly five months after officer James Manor died in a crash in his patrol car.
On November 19, 2009, Metro Police Officer Trevor Nettleton was shot to death in his garage after exchanging fire with 3 men in a botched robbery attempt. Metro considers this death 'in the line of duty' as he drew his police weapon in defense of himself and family and has been laid to rest with full police honors.
On November 21, 2009, Corrections Officer Daniel Leach, while on duty, was killed in a car accident near Searchlight, Nevada
Searchlight, Nevada
Searchlight is an unincorporated town in Clark County, Nevada, at the topographic saddle between two mountain ranges.-History:According to Nevada Senator Harry Reid, who has written extensively about his hometown, the most likely story as to how the town received its name was when George Frederick...
.
List of Clark County Sheriffs
- Charles Corkhill 1909-1911
- Sam Gay, 1911–1931
- Will Mundy, 1917 (served when Sam Gay was removed from office)
- Jay Warren Woodard, 1917 (served when Sam Gay was removed from office)
- Joe Keate, 1931–1936
- Bill Mott, 1936–1937
- Gene Ward, 1937–1943
- Glen C. Jones, 1943–1955
- Butch Leypoldt, 1955–1961
- Ralph Lamb, 1961-1979 (CCSO)
- John McCarthy, 1979–1983
- John Moran, 1983-1995 (LVPD)
- Jerry Keller, 1995-2003 (CCSO)
- Bill Young, 2003–2007
- Douglas C. Gillespie, 2007-
Funding
The Department is funded by the City of Las Vegas and Clark County. Funding is based on a complex formula that includes population, calls for service, and felony crimes in the prior year. Both governments must approve the annual budget including their percentage of budget. Additionally the department itself generates approximately 33% of its funds through property tax, and the charging for certain services, such as special events, work cardWork card
A work card is like an Identity Card which verifies that a person has been given work, or is eligible to perform work in a given profession or jurisdiction...
s, and privileged license investigations. Additional funding is generated from a special sales tax
Sales tax
A sales tax is a tax, usually paid by the consumer at the point of purchase, itemized separately from the base price, for certain goods and services. The tax amount is usually calculated by applying a percentage rate to the taxable price of a sale....
to fund commissioned positions. By state law, the sheriff of Clark County is charged with running the county jail, known as the Clark County Detention Center or CCDC, which is funded solely by the government and tax base of Clark County.
Organization
There are two commissioned career tracks in the LVMPD. They have identical civil service rank structures and pay, but different day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.- Corrections: These officers are tasked with operating, managing and supervising the Clark County Detention Center: there are over 750 currently.
- Corrections Officer 690
- Corrections Sergeant 66
- Corrections Lieutenant 19
- Corrections Captain 6
- Police: These officers are assigned all over the department; there are over 2700 currently.
- Police Officer 2263
- Police Sergeant 281
- Police Lieutenant 74
- Police Captain 22
Officers with the title of "detective are addressed as such by tradition and custom. However, unlike some other agencies, this is an assignment dependent title and not a formal civil service rank.
Major patrol responsibilities are covered by bike patrol
Police bicycle
A Police bicycle is a land vehicle used by police departments, most commonly in the form of a mountain bicycle. They are designed to meet the requirements unique to each department....
s, motorcycle units
Police motorcycle
A police motorcycle is a motorcycle used by various police forces and departments. They may be custom designed to meet the requirements unique of a particular use. A police motorcycle is often called a "motor" by police officers in the United States...
and patrol cars
Police car
A police car is a ground vehicle used by police, to assist with their duties in patrolling and responding to incidents. Typical uses of a police car include transportation for officers to reach the scene of an incident quickly, to transport criminal suspects, or to patrol an area, while providing a...
assigned to the following units:
The LVMPD is divided into eight urban area commands:
- Bolden (Sectors U and W) - serves the west central portion of the city, including the old westside, an area bordered by I-15, US-95, Rancho Drive and Lake Mead Boulevard.
- Convention Center (Sectors M and L) - Las Vegas StripLas Vegas StripThe Las Vegas Strip is an approximately stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard in Clark County, Nevada; adjacent to, but outside the city limits of Las Vegas proper. The Strip lies within the unincorporated townships of Paradise and Winchester...
and Las Vegas Convention CenterLas Vegas Convention CenterThe Las Vegas Convention Center is owned and operated by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in Las Vegas, Nevada....
areas - Downtown (Sectors A, B and C)- this division serves Downtown Las Vegas and areas roughly east of Eastern, south of Owens and north of Sahara Avenue to include the infamous 'Naked City' and Fremont Street areas.
- Northeast (Sectors F and G) - Sector F includes unincorporated areas of North Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Speedway/Nellis AFB area.
- Northwest (Sectors V and X) - serves areas generally west of Decatur Blvd and north of Charleston Blvd.
- Southeast (Sectors H, J and K) - serves areas east of Maryland Parkway and south of Sahara Blvd. Sector J includes unincorporated areas of Henderson.
- Enterprise (Formerly Southwest - as of July 7, 2008) (Sectors O, P, R and S)- this area serves mostly the southwest valley west of I-15 and south of Charleston Blvd.Also includes Chinatown.
- South Central (Sectors I, N) This area command serves the areas south of McCarran Airport between Interstate 15 and roughly Eastern Avenue.
When Metro was formed in 1973, the Las Vegas Valley was served by only three area commands: North, South and West.
Other major coverage details:
- Traffic Bureau (All Sectors)
- Airport (Sector Q)
- nine different rural areas outside the Las Vegas Valley including:
- LaughlinLaughlin, NevadaLaughlin is a census-designated place in Clark County, Nevada, United States, and a port located on the Colorado River. Laughlin is south of Las Vegas, located in the far southern tip of Nevada. It is best known for its gaming, entertainment, and water recreation. As of the 2010 census, the...
(Area 81) - SearchlightSearchlight, NevadaSearchlight is an unincorporated town in Clark County, Nevada, at the topographic saddle between two mountain ranges.-History:According to Nevada Senator Harry Reid, who has written extensively about his hometown, the most likely story as to how the town received its name was when George Frederick...
(Area 82) - Jean-Goodsprings (Area 83)
- Blue Diamond-Sloan (Area 84)
- Mount CharlestonMount Charleston, NevadaMount Charleston is an unincorporated town in Clark County, Nevada, United States. The population was 285 at the 2000 census.Named for Mount Charleston, the highest point in the area, the town is in a valley of the Spring Mountains to the northwest of Las Vegas, noted for its hiking trails, and for...
(Area 85) - Indian SpringsIndian Springs, NevadaIndian Springs is an unincorporated town in Clark County, Nevada, United States. The population was 1,302 at the 2000 census.-History:Indian Springs is named for the artesian spring that provides the area with water...
(Area 86) - Logandale-Overton (Area 87)
- Moapa Valley-Glendale (Area 88)
- Riverside-Bunkerville (Area 89)
- Laughlin
Rank Structure
The LVMPD rank structure is as follows:| Title | Insignia |
|---|---|
| Sheriff |  |
| Under Sheriff |  |
| Assistant Sheriff |  |
| Deputy Chief |  |
| Captain | |
| Lieutenant |  |
| Sergeant |  |
| Officer | |
The position of Commander has been used but, as of 2011, is not currently within the chain of command.
Enforcement areas
- Boulder City Police Department in Boulder CityBoulder City, NevadaBoulder City is a city in Clark County, Nevada, United States. It is approximately from the City of Las Vegas. As of the 2010 census the population of Boulder City was 15,023.Boulder City is one of only two cities in Nevada that prohibit gambling....
- Hoover Dam PoliceHoover Dam PoliceThe Hoover Dam Police, officially the Bureau of Reclamation Police, is a federal security police force, stationed at Hoover Dam southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. Reclamation Police Officers are stationed only at Hoover Dam. Hoover Dam was both listed on the National Register of Historic Places in...
- College of Southern Nevada Police Department Formed in 2005
- Clark County Park Police in all Clark CountyClark County, Nevada-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 1,375,765 people, 512,253 households, and 339,693 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 71.6% White , 9.1% Black, 5.7% Asian, 0.8% American Indian and 12.8% of other or mixed race. 22.0% were Hispanic of any race...
parks - Clark County School District Police DepartmentClark County School District Police DepartmentClark County School District Police Department is the part of the Clark County School District that is responsible for law enforcement on all of the district campuses. As sworn officers, the department members handle all crimes committed on campus and in the areas around the schools...
on Clark County School DistrictClark County School DistrictThe Clark County School District, , is the 5th largest school district in the United States. It serves all of Clark County, Nevada, including the cities of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, and Mesquite; plus the census-designated places of Laughlin, Blue Diamond, Logandale,...
property - Henderson Police DepartmentHenderson Police DepartmentThe Henderson Police Department is the police department of the City of Henderson in Clark County in southern Nevada. The Henderson Police Department is nationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies .-History:The City of Henderson Police Department...
in HendersonHenderson, Nevada-Demographics:According to the 2000 census, there were 175,381 people, 66,331 households, and 47,095 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,200.8 people per square mile . There were 71,149 housing units at an average density of 892.8 per square mile... - City of Las Vegas Court Marshals which deliver warrants in the City of Las Vegas
- City of Las Vegas Deputy City Marshals which provide enforcement activities on public property, primarily city property
- Mesquite Police Department in MesquiteMesquite, NevadaMesquite is a city in Clark County, Nevada, United States, adjacent to the Arizona state line and northeast of Las Vegas. As of the 2010 United States Census, it had a population of 15,277. The city is located in the Virgin River Valley...
- United States Air Force Security Forces at Nellis Air Force BaseNellis Air Force BaseNellis Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base, located approximately northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is under the jurisdiction of Air Combat Command .-Overview:...
in North Las VegasNorth Las Vegas, NevadaNorth Las Vegas is a city in Clark County, Nevada, United States, located in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The city was incorporated on May 16, 1946.-Geography:... - Nevada Highway PatrolNevada Highway PatrolNevada Highway Patrol is a division of the Nevada Department of Public Safety that is responsible for law enforcement across the entire state of Nevada...
is responsible for the interstate highways and state highwayState highwayState highway, state road or state route can refer to one of three related concepts, two of them related to a state or provincial government in a country that is divided into states or provinces :#A...
s in Clark County - Nevada Capitol PoliceNevada Capitol PoliceNevada Capitol Police is a division of the Nevada Department of Public Safety that is responsible for law enforcement in major state buildings within Nevada...
:responsible for protection of the Grant Sawyer State Office Building in downtown Las Vegas - North Las Vegas Police DepartmentNorth Las Vegas Police DepartmentThe North Las Vegas Police Department is the police department of the City of North Las Vegas in Clark County in southern Nevada....
in North Las VegasNorth Las Vegas, NevadaNorth Las Vegas is a city in Clark County, Nevada, United States, located in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The city was incorporated on May 16, 1946.-Geography:... - Paiute Tribal Police on the two PaiutePaiutePaiute refers to three closely related groups of Native Americans — the Northern Paiute of California, Idaho, Nevada and Oregon; the Owens Valley Paiute of California and Nevada; and the Southern Paiute of Arizona, southeastern California and Nevada, and Utah.-Origin of name:The origin of...
Indian reservationIndian reservationAn American Indian reservation is an area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the United States Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs...
s - UNLV Police Services on University of Nevada, Las VegasUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasUniversity of Nevada-Las Vegas is a public, coeducational university located in the Las Vegas suburb of Paradise, Nevada, USA. The campus is located approximately east of the Las Vegas Strip. The institution includes a Shadow Lane Campus, located just east of the University Medical Center of...
campuses and sports facilities. Formed in 1972 - Various government agencies like the BLMBLMBLM may stand for: Saint Barthélemy using ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 country code*Bergbahn Lauterbrunnen-Mürren, a railway in Switzerland, part funicular, part adhesion*Bilayer lipid membrane*Black Mage, a job in Final Fantasy XI...
or the National Park ServiceNational Park ServiceThe National Park Service is the U.S. federal agency that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations...
provide law enforcement services for other federalFederal government of the United StatesThe federal government of the United States is the national government of the constitutional republic of fifty states that is the United States of America. The federal government comprises three distinct branches of government: a legislative, an executive and a judiciary. These branches and...
ly owned land in the county.
Structure
The LVMPD is led by the Sheriff, second in command is the Under Sheriff, who is assisted by 3 Assistant Sheriffs. The Office of Intergovernmental Services, the Office of General Counsel, The Office of Public Information and the Office of Finance currently report to the newly created Deputy Chief of Staff.Four of the six elected Clark County Sheriff's since the LVMPD was consolidated in 1973 are former members of either the Clark County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) or Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD). Former Sheriff Young and current Sheriff Gillespie are retired members of the LVMPD (that is they were commissioned solely as members of the LVMPD) Sheriff Gillespie rose to, and retired at, the appointed rank of Undersheriff prior to assuming public office as the duly elected Sheriff of Clark
County.
The ranks of Undersheriff, Assistant Sheriff, and Deputy Chief are appointed from the highest civil service rank of Captain. These positions serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff and as such, if they lose the confidence of the person who holds that office, they can be returned to their civil service rank of Captain if they choose not to simply retire. Division Directors are civilian appointees that head Divisions as would a Deputy Chief. Of additional note, at various points in the department's history the appointed rank of Commander has been used between the ranks of Deputy Chief and Captain.
The undersheriff is second in command to the Sheriff. The position is currently held by Undersheriff Jim Dixon.
The Assistant Sheriff for Law Enforcement Services (Currently Raymond Flynn) oversees 3 divisions, each overseen by a Deputy Chief or Division Director. The divisions are: Technical Services Division (made up of the Criminalistics Bureau, Records Bureau, Fingerprint Bureau, and Logistics Bureau), Professional Standards Division (Office of Human Resources, Organizational Development Bureau, and the Internal Affairs Bureau), and the Communication & Technology Services Division (Communications Bureau and Information Technology Bureau).
The Assistant Sheriff for Law Enforcement Operations (currently Theodore Moody) oversees 3 divisions, each led by a Deputy Chief. The divisions are: Detention Services Division (made up of the Records Bureau, South Tower Bureau, Central Booking Bureau, North Tower Bureau, Administrative Operations Bureau, Staff Operations Bureau, and the Low Level offender Bureau), the North Patrol Division (made up of the Downtown Area Command, Bolden Area Command, Northeast Area Command, Northwest Area Command, Support Operations Bureau, and Traffic Bureau), and the South Patrol Division (made up of the Enterprise Area Command, Convention Center Area Command, Southeast Area Command, South Central Area Command, Airport Bureau, and opening in late 2011, the Southwest Area Command (Eldora)).
The Assistant Sheriff for Law Enforcement Investigations (currently Michael McClary) oversees two divisions, both led by a Deputy Chief. The divisions are: The Investigative Services Division (made up of the Robbery/Homicide Bureau, Crimes Against Youth/Family Bureau, Gang Crimes Bureau, and the Financial/Property Crimes Bureau), and the Homeland Security Division (made up of the Counterterrorism Bureau, Vice/Narcotics Bureau, Intelligence Led Policing Bureau, and the Organized Crime Bureau). The third division, Special Operations, was dispersed into the Homeland Security Division and North and South Patrol Divisions during the Sheriff's recent organizational restructuring in early 2011.
Area Commands and Bureaus are typically led by Captains. The Captains in turn manage a staff of 1 to 4 Lieutenants who in turn manage a staff of 4 or 5 Sergeants. Sergeants typically supervise 6-12 Police Officers, Corrections Officers, or Detectives and civilian support staff. Sections are typically led by Lieutenants.
A typical substation or Area Command has a Captain, 3-4 Police Lieutenants, 16 Police Sergeants, and 130-150 Police Officers.
Volunteer program
The department maintains an active volunteer program called the Metro Volunteer Program or MVP. The program publishes a monthly newsletter available on the department web site. MVPs are used within the department in any area that is not Law Enforcement as the volunteers are not law enforcement officers.The program was honored in 2011 as the winner for Outstanding Achievement in Law Enforcement Volunteer Program by the International Association of Chiefs of Police
International Association of Chiefs of Police
The International Association of Chiefs of Police was founded in Chicago in 1893 as the National Chiefs of Police Union. The primary goal of this organization was to apprehend and return criminals who had fled the agency jurisdictions in which they were wanted...
.
Training
- The Academy
The LVMPD operates its own training academy -- officially the LVMPD Recruit Training Academy, but referred to by members the department as 'The Academy'. New recruits are required to attend this intense and regimented 26-week academy. This includes those who have attended another police academy. The Academy is composed of a hand-picked training staff of senior police officers who are recognized experts in multiple fields, including police academics, patrol tactics, procedure, defensive tactics/martial arts, physical fitness, and firearms skills.
The Academy is headquartered at the Jerry Keller Training Facility next to the Northwest Area Command station. The first 12 weeks are held at this location. During this initial phase, the recruits' training is centered around intense physical conditioning, basic defensive tactics, and academic classroom instruction.
The remainder of the Academy is located at the Mojave Training Facility adjacent to the Northeast Area Command. At this facility, the recruit's training becomes less academic-based and far more practical-application-based. The concentration of the curriculum focuses on intense defensive tactics/martial art instruction and advanced police tactics. It is also during this phase that the police recruit receives firearms training and the Emergency Vehicle Operator's Course.
The LVMPD Recruit Training Academy is nationally regarded as one of the toughest police academies in the nation, both physically and academically. The drop-out or failure rate of The Academy is roughly 35 percent.
The LVMPD has a specific recruitment and Academy website. Visit the LVMPD recruitment and Academy web site.
In addition to police academics, the recruits must successfully complete a basic Spanish Language program which is taught throughout the Academy training.
(The LVMPD runs a separate academy for corrections officers. This academy is located inside the Clark County Detention Center (CCDC). and is similar to the police academy, but somewhat shorter in duration.)
- Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP)
Upon successful completion of The Academy, the new officers' training continues during an 19-week Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP), during which new officer rides side-by-side with a certified Field Training Officer (FTO) who grades and evaluates the officers' every moves and decisions.
The role of the FTO is also to train the new officer in real-world application of the skills he or she learned at The Academy in a student/master relationship. The new officer is assigned to a new FTO every three weeks for a total of 6 FTOs over two 'phases' (9 weeks Phase 1, 10 weeks Phase 2). The new officer must show a measured level of skill and competency to advance through the phases.
Those who do not successfully complete field training or probation are not-confirmed, that is, their appointment as police or corrections officers is deemed not to be confirmed during the probationary period defined by civil service - their commissions are revoked and they are terminated from the LVMPD. The combined rate of failure and voluntary withdrawal from FTEP is roughly 5-10%.
The final three weeks FTEP are 'solo' weeks in which the new officer rides by himself/herself for at least two shifts per week under the close scrutiny of his/her final FTO. At the successful completion of the FTEP program, the new officer is transferred to his/her first duty patrol squad and is officially a police officer with the LVMPD.
From the day the recruit enters the academy to the day he or she completes training and is a solo police officer patrolling the street is 45 weeks.
- In-Service / Continued Training and Education
The LVMPD also places large emphasis on its continuing training for its commissioned police officers. LVMPD officers are required to attend quarterly firearms training and re-qualifications, quarterly defensive tactics training, a vigorous once-yearly Advanced Officer Survival Tactics course, monthly 'back-to-basics' training, various required on-line classes per year, and an additional mandatory 10 hours of new training per year selected from a vast list of classes offered by the LVMPD or other certified agency.
One complete shift every two weeks is also dedicated for squad-level training. This does not include special skill or specialized unit specific mandated training. The LVMPD encourages its officers to attend as much training as is possible to learn new skills and stay current with cutting-edge law enforcement techniques and tactics.
The Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) takes place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas Motor Speedway, located in Clark County, Nevada near Las Vegas, is a complex of multiple tracks for automobile racing. The complex is owned by Speedway Motorsports, Inc., which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.-History:...
. Police officers complete their initial course of training for EVOC at The Academy. Commissioned officers then must re-certify every two years during an additional 10-hour EVOC course.
Motorcycle officers must initially attend and pass a 3 week police motorcycle riders course. They then must re-certify every 6 months in order to continue operating a motorcycle for duty.
- Citizen Training
The department also operates two Citizen's Police Academies
Citizen's Police Academy
Citizen's Police Academy is a program designed to acquaint individuals who are not sworn police officers with the activities of their local police department.The programs vary by department...
. One of these is a regular academy and the second is a Spanish Citizen's Police Academy.
Specialized units
For individual unit specifics and detail see following section, "Specialized Unit Specifics".In early 2011 the department underwent a major reorganization. The continued economic downturn was one of the reasons for the changes. The office of the Undersheriff was not filled upon the retirement of Undersheriff Roderick Jett. The former Special Operations Division that contained many specialized units was dissolved and units formerly assigned were placed into other divisions of the agency. A commissioned Captain position was eliminated (but moved to a newly created Intelligence Led Policing Bureau) in the criminalistics bureau and replaced by a Civilian Executive Director. The Human Resources Division was disbanded and a new Professional Standards Division was formed. Units formerly under the Human Resources Division and in other areas of the agency were combined into the new Professional Standards Division. The reorganization was the largest in the last 10 years of the LVMPD. In addition various bureaus in the LVMPD where also reorganized and sections and details reassigned to the bureaus.
Organizational Structure in place as of May of 2011:
Detention Services Division (DSD)
- Clark County Detention Center (commonly known as "CCDC" by officers)
- Communication & Technology Services Division
- Communications Bureau
- Information Technologies Bureau
- Radio Systems Bureau
- Fleet Operations Bureau
- Crime Stoppers - (702) 385-5555
- Crisis Intervention Team
- YES- Youth Education Services Detail (Formerly DARE)
- Field Training Officer (FTO)
- Homeland SecurityHomeland securityHomeland security is an umbrella term for security efforts to protect states against terrorist activity. Specifically, is a concerted national effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the U.S., reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do...
Division- Vice/Narcotics Bureau
- Counterterrorism Bureau
- ARMOR Section
- Counterterrorism Section
- SWATSWATA SWAT team is an elite tactical unit in various national law enforcement departments. They are trained to perform high-risk operations that fall outside of the abilities of regular officers...
- Crisis Negotiation Team
- Emergency Management
- Intelligence Led Policing Bureau
- ANSEC (Analytical Section)
- Organized Crime Bureau
- Criminal Intelligence
- Special Investigations
- Investigative Services Division
- Gang Crimes Bureau
- Robbery/Homicide Bureau
- Robbery Section
- Homicide Section
- Career Criminal Section
- Fugitive Detail
- Criminal Apprehension Team (CAT) Federal Task Force (FBI, LVMPD)
- Repeat Offenders Program (ROP)
- Violent Crimes Section
- Crimes Against Youth and Family Bureau
- Abuse/Neglect Detail
- Domestic Violence Detail
- Missing Persons
- Sexual Assault Detail
- Sexual Abuse Detail
- Financial - Property Crimes Bureau
- Auto Theft
- VIPER
- Firearms Section
- Forgery Detail
- Fraud Detail
- Electronic Crimes Unit (Federal Task Force with United States Secret ServiceUnited States Secret ServiceThe United States Secret Service is a United States federal law enforcement agency that is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The sworn members are divided among the Special Agents and the Uniformed Division. Until March 1, 2003, the Service was part of the United States...
) - Construction Theft
- North Patrol Division
- Northwest Area Command
- Bolden Area Command
- Downtown Area Command
- Northeast Area Command
- Traffic Bureau
- Support Operations Bureau
- Mobile Crime Saturation Team
- Special Events Section
- Air Support
- Search and Rescue
- Laughlin
- Resident Officer Section
- K-9
- South Patrol Division
- Enterprise Area Command
- Southwest Area Command (opens Fall of 2011)
- Convention Center Area Command
- Tourist Crimes Unit- Operates out of the Convention Center Area Command
- Mounted policeMounted policeMounted police are police who patrol on horseback or camelback. They continue to serve in remote areas and in metropolitan areas where their day-to-day function may be picturesque or ceremonial, but they are also employed in crowd control because of their mobile mass and height advantage and...
- Operates out of the Convention Center Area Command
- South Central Area Command
- Southeast Area Command
- Airport Bureau
- Professional Standards Division
- Office of Human Resources
- Internal Affairs Bureau
- Organizational Development Bureau
- Firearms Range
- EVOC
- In-service Training
- AOST
- Academy
- CIRT
- Quality Assurance
- Personnel Bureau
- Metro Volunteer Program
- Technical Services Division
- Criminalistics Bureau (CSA a.k.a. CSI)
- Records Bureau
- Fingerprint Bureau
- Logistics Bureau
Specialized Unit Specifics
SWATThe LVMPD SWAT Team is a nationally respected organization. The team is composed of nearly 40 operators, they are one of a handful of full-time SWAT Teams in the country. The team's main objective is to save lives, victims and suspects alike. They are on the cutting edge on the use of a constantly changing array of less lethal weapons and munitions. Team members are highly trained and work in no less than 2 man cells. They are not actually called the 'Zebra Squadron' as it is asserted by the narrator on an often repeated cable documentary. However, their designated LVMPD callsign is Z, phonetically in the LVMPD alphabet- Zebra. They are referred to individually as Zebra units. Rarely they are called Team Zebra. The individual officers are denoted by their seniority in the unit. Therefore Z1 (or Zebra 1) is the most senior operator and Z37 would be junior. This nomenclature applies to many other units within the department as well. LVMPD SWAT conducts their training both for LVMPD recruits and seasoned officers within the department as well as visiting agencies from across the country. In a given year they will respond to an average of 55 hostage incidents and execute over 365 high risk search warrants and/or arrest warrants.
Traffic
Also called 'Motors' is currently the largest of all Harley Davidson fleet in the country with 160+ motor officers assigned to it, including sergeants, lieutenants, and a captain. Traffic does specialized enforcement as dictated by the Office of the Sheriff, on the freeways, main and secondary roads, and schools. Motors is responsible for the majority of the DUI arrests and citations written in Clark county. These units are called "Tom" units - with a 3-digit or 4-digit number (the first designating its shift, and the last two or three digits representing the officer's seniority). E.g. T3115 would be a swing shift (3) officer who is 115th in seniority within the unit.
K-9
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has one of the oldest, continuously operating K-9Police dog
A police dog, often referred to as a "K-9 dog" in some areas , is a dog that is trained specifically to assist police and other law-enforcement personnel in their work...
units in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Currently, the LVMPD K-9 Detail has 21 officers (including three sergeants) and 21 Patrol Dogs, trained to locate human scent. These dogs search for suspects, lost victims, and evidence that suspects may have discarded. Seven are European bred German Shepherds, one Dutch Shepherd, and 13 are Belgian Malinois.
LVMPD has 15 detection dogs, nine of the dogs are Narcotic Detector dogs which are trained to locate marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. They use hunting breeds such as Springer Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers because of their high hunt and play drives. Also have six Explosive Detector Dogs used to locate many various types of explosives. In addition to the dogs assigned to K-9, LVMPD has six other Narcotic Detector Dogs. Five of these dogs are assigned to the Narcotics Detail, Interdiction Team. They have one Springer Spaniel
Springer Spaniel
Springer Spaniel refers to two different breeds of dogs, both of which are commonly called simply Springer Spaniel:*English Springer Spaniel*Welsh Springer Spaniel...
, and Black and Yellow Labradors. The sixth is assigned to the Resident Section, Laughlin and is a Black Labrador.
Fallen K-9 Officers
| K-9 | Unit | Partner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Mars | Explosives Dog | Tom Moore |
| Ben | Explosives Dog | Duwayne Layton |
| Apollo | Patrol Dog | John Jenkins |
| Roscoe | Narcotics Dog | Scott Murray |
| Fred | Patrol Dog | DuWayne Layton |
| Rudy | Patrol Dog | Mel English and Darren Garness |
| Winston | Narcotics Dog | Eric Kerns and Danny Southwell |
| Breston | Patrol Dog | Steve Junge |
| Rudi | Patrol Dog | John Jenkins |
| Duke | Narcotics Dog | Mike Horn and Mike Blasko |
| Dak | Patrol Dog | Mike Horn and Mike Campbell |
| Danny | Patrol Dog | Frank Sorrentino |
| Clyde | Explosives Dog | Duwayne Layton and Jay Carlson |
| Cigan | Patrol Dog | Rory Tuggle |
| Buddy | Patrol Dog | John Jenkins |
| Ex | Patrol Dog | Pat Barry, Bob Hindi, and Robert Johnson |
| Laslo | Patrol Dog | Jay Carlson |
| Moss | Explosives Dog | Jay Carlson |
Firearms
Firearms Training takes place at the LVMPD John T Moran Tactical Firearms Training Facility located near Nellis Air Force Base.The facility is used by numerous local,state,and federal law enforcement agencies. At the facility, Recruits receive several weeks of firearms training during the Academy. Commissioned police officers must attend firearms re-qualification 4 times a year. This re-qualification is for all department-carried firearms: handguns, shotguns, low-lethal shotguns, and rifles (M4/AR15). The qualifications include known-distance targets and tactical courses of fire in both regular and low-light.LVMPD does not issue handguns to recruits. When recruits enter the Academy, they are issued inoperable handguns and a holster. These handguns are carried by the recruits for training purposes during the first week of the academy. As the academy progresses, the recruits receive firearms selection training. (This training is designed to assist in making a decision on the selection of an appropriate duty handgun.) Once recruits have received this training, they are allowed to privately purchase and carry a handgun authorized by LVMPD Policy. The LVMPD Firearms Policy is covered in detail during training.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has several qualifications on what type of firearm may be carried:
1) The firearm MUST be manufactured by:
Beretta
Beretta
Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta is an Italian firearms manufacturer. Their firearms are used worldwide for a variety of civilian, law enforcement, and military purposes. It is also known for manufacturing shooting clothes and accessories. Beretta is the oldest active firearms manufacturer in the...
, Colt
Colt's Manufacturing Company
Colt's Manufacturing Company is a United States firearms manufacturer, whose first predecessor corporation was founded in 1836 by Sam Colt. Colt is best known for the engineering, production, and marketing of firearms over the later half of the 19th and the 20th century...
, Glock
Glock
Glock Ges.m.b.H. is a weapons manufacturer headquartered in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria, named after its founder, Gaston Glock...
, Kimber
Kimber Manufacturing
Kimber Manufacturing is an American company that designs, manufactures, and distributes small arms such as M1911 pistols, Solo pistols and rifles. The USA Shooting Team, Marines assigned to Special Operations Command, and the LAPD SWAT team use Kimber pistols....
, Para Ordnance, Wilson Combat
Wilson Combat
Wilson Combat is a custom pistol manufacturer located in Berryville, Arkansas that specializes in customizing and manufacturing M1911 pistols. First started under the name "Wilson's Gun Shop" in 1977, Bill Wilson started his new gunsmith business in the back of the family jewelry store, “Wilson's...
, Uberti Ordinance, Heckler & Koch
Heckler & Koch
Heckler & Koch GmbH is a German defense manufacturing company that produces various small arms. Some of their products include the SA80, MP5 submachine gun, G3 automatic rifle, the G36 assault rifle, the HK 416, the MP7 personal defense weapon, the USP series of handguns, and the high-precision...
, Ruger, Sig Sauer, Springfield Armory
Springfield Armory
The Springfield Armory, located in the City of Springfield, Massachusetts - from 1777 until its closing in 1968 - was the primary center for the manufacture of U.S. military firearms. After its controversial closing during the Vietnam War, the Springfield Armory was declared Western Massachusetts'...
, Steyr Mannlicher
Steyr Mannlicher
Steyr Mannlicher is a firearms manufacturer based in the city of Steyr, Austria. Originally a part of the Steyr-Daimler-Puch manufacturing conglomerate, it became independent when the conglomerate was broken in 1990.-History:...
, or Smith and Wesson.
2) The firearm MUST be chambered in either: 9mm, .40 S&W
.40 S&W
The .40 S&W is a rimless pistol cartridge developed jointly by major American firearms manufacturers Winchester and Smith & Wesson. The .40 S&W was developed from the ground up as a law enforcement cartridge designed to duplicate performance of the FBI's reduced velocity 10mm cartridge which could...
, or .45 ACP
.45 ACP
The .45 ACP , also known as the .45 Auto by C.I.P., is a cartridge designed by John Browning in 1904, for use in his prototype Colt semi-automatic .45 pistol and eventually the M1911 pistol adopted by the United States Army in 1911.-Design and history:The U.S...
.
3) The firing mechanism must be:
Traditional Double/Single action (Beretta, H&K, Ruger, Sig Sauer pistols),
Single action (1911-style pistols), Striker-fired or "safe-action" (i.e. Glock and Steyr "M" pistols), Double-Action only (i.e. Smith & Wesson 5946 pistol)
4) The finish must either be blued/black or stainless steel.
5) Barrel length must be at least 3.5 inches and not exceed 6 inches.
6) Grips must be either a high-impact plastic or rubber (black in color), or wood; and must be designed to be used with either hand.
Clark County Detention Center
Misconduct
A few high-profile police misconductPolice misconduct
Police misconduct refers to inappropriate actions taken by police officers in connection with their official duties. Police misconduct can lead to a miscarriage of justice and sometimes involves discrimination...
cases within the department have caused controversy. In 1998, an 18-year veteran, Sgt. Scott Ferguson, while on duty and using an unmarked police vehicle, exposed himself, by opening his trench coat, to two women. He was charged with two gross misdemeanors and later resigned from the force.
On December 28, 1996, an off duty Metro Officer, Ron Mortensen, murdered Daniel Mendoza in a drive by shooting. Another Metro Officer, Christopher Brady, was driving at the time. Mortensen received a life sentence as the trigger man, while Brady was eventually convicted of federal charges for his role and received a 9 year sentence.
The Las Vegas Sun reported on August 11, 2011 that a federal jury had awarded the sum of 2.1 million (reduced to 1.6 million by a federal judge) to Charles Barnard, a resident of Henderson, Nevada as a result of charges of excessive force by LVMPD officers Gary Clark, Greg Theobald and Steven Radmanovich.
On July 8, 2011, the sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Doug Gillespie, along with Assistant Sheriff Ray Flynn, and LVMPD Crime Lab Executive Director Linda Krueger admitted a case of human error involving switched DNA samples by criminalist Terry Cook sent an innocent man named Dwayne Jackson to the Nevada State Prison for a period of 4 years for a crime he did not commit (it turns out his cousin was the actual culprit). David Chesnoff, a local attorney handing Mr. Jackson's civil lawsuit against LVMPD stated that he is a remarkable young man, who is forward thinking and is not bitter. Steve Sisolak, a Clark County Commissioner for district "G" and a member of LVMPD's fiscal affairs committee stated that the eventual settlement being reached with Mr. Jackson against LVMPD and it's crime lab could reach into the '7-figure' range, implying a settlement of millions of dollars to Mr. Jackson.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on November 25, 2010 that Lt. Paul C. Page, chairman of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Managers and Supervisors Association union has been relieved of his duties and placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into allegations of misappropriation of union funds. A follow up article shows that LVMPD closed the case against Lt. Page quietly without filing charges that he misappropriated $38,521 while chairman of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Managers and Supervisors Association. Mr. Page also filed for a disability pension shortly after being suspended and while a member of the PERS board. In addition, an internal affairs investigation conducted by LVMPD sustained charges of 'Conduct Unbecoming an Officer'.
On March 20th, 2011, LVMPD officer Derek Colling was involved in the beating and arrest of videographer Mitchell Crooks who officer Colling approached when he observed Crooks filming a police investigation of a reported burglary. Mitchell Crooks was prosecuted on old warrants stemming from previous arrests on drunken driving and petty theft, but charges of obstructing a police officer and resisting arrest were dismissed by Clark County Justice Court. A claim of excessive force was made to the Internal Affairs division of LVMPD, and on July 29th, 2011, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that officer Colling violated several Metropolitan Police Department policies, and that Derek Colling's excessive force complaint was sustained, Deputy Chief Gary Schofield reported. Officer Colling has been on paid suspension since April 1st, 2011, and that the discipline board is determining what punishment he should face (which could include termination).
In July of 2010, the LVMPD fiscal affairs committee settled with Calvin Darling, who was initially accused of drunken driving and failure to yield in the death of Officer James Manor for $120,000. The initial reports that Officer Manor had his lights and siren on were incorrect and that Calvin Darling had a blood alcohol level of .035 after being tested (the legal definition for DUI in Nevada is 0.08%). In addition, the Clark County District Attorney office dropped all charges against Mr. Darling.
In 1991, The estate of Charles Bush settled with Metro for $1.1 million after Bush died in 1991 when the lateral-vascular neck restraint was used to subdue him.
The family of French citizen Philippe LeMenn, who died while in the Clark County Detention Center in 2001, settled for $500,000 in 2003.
In 2011, the police department paid $1 million to the family of a man who died after an officer put a "sleeper hold" on him. The 29-year-old victim, Dustin Boone, died in November 2009 after an officer put him in a lateral-vascular neck restraint. The restraint cuts blood flow to the brain.
In 2010, the Clark County Commission approved changes to the coroner's inquest process that looks into deaths caused by police officers. The move came on the heels of the shooting death by a police officer of Trevon Cole, an unarmed man, in his home during the execution of a search warrant. In another high-profile officer-involved shooting that prompted the commission's move, Eric Scott, who had a gun, was killed at a large discount store in what became a high-profile case.
LVMPD in television and film
- Ocean's Eleven (1960 film)Ocean's Eleven (1960 film)Ocean's 11 is a 1960 heist film directed by Lewis Milestone and starring five Rat Packers: Peter Lawford, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Joey Bishop....
(as Clark County Sheriff's Office) - Ocean's Eleven (2001 film)Ocean's Eleven (2001 film)Ocean's Eleven is a 2001 American comedy-crime caper and remake of the 1960 Rat Pack caper film of the same name. The 2001 film was directed by Steven Soderbergh and features an ensemble cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Andy García, and Julia Roberts. The film was...
- Kolchak: The Night StalkerKolchak: The Night StalkerKolchak: The Night Stalker is an American television series that aired on ABC during the 1974-1975 season. It featured a fictional Chicago newspaper reporter — Carl Kolchak, played by Darren McGavin — who investigates mysterious crimes with unlikely causes, particularly ones law...
(1974) - The Gauntlet (1977)
- Vega$Vega$Vega$ is an American detective television drama series that aired on ABC between 1978 and 1981. It was produced by Aaron Spelling. The series, was filmed in its entirety in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is believed to be the first television series produced entirely in Las Vegas...
(1978–1981) - Diamonds are ForeverDiamonds Are ForeverDiamonds Are Forever may refer to:In literature;* Diamonds Are Forever , the fourth novel in Ian Fleming's James Bond series* Diamonds Are Forever, a 2004 short novel by Ryk E...
(as CCSO and LVPD) (1971) - COPS (TV series)COPS (TV series)Cops is an American documentary/reality television series that follows police officers, constables, and sheriff's deputies during patrols and other police activities...
(featured regularly since 1990) - Casino (film)Casino (film)Casino is a 1995 crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese. It is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Nicholas Pileggi, who also co-wrote the screenplay for the film with Scorsese...
(1995) - CSI: Crime Scene InvestigationCSI: Crime Scene InvestigationCSI: Crime Scene Investigation is an American crime drama television series, which premiered on CBS on October 6, 2000. The show was created by Anthony E. Zuiker and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer...
(2000- ) (fictitiously depicted as the "Las Vegas Police Department" in the show) - Las Vegas (TV series)Las Vegas (TV series)Las Vegas was an American television series broadcast by NBC from September 22, 2003 to February 15, 2008. The show focuses on a team of people working at the ficticional Montecito Resort & Casino dealing with issues that arise within the working environment, ranging from valet parking and...
(2003–2008) - Dodgeball: A True Underdog StoryDodgeball: A True Underdog StoryDodgeBall: A True Underdog Story, commonly referred to as simply DodgeBall, is a 2004 American sports comedy film produced by 20th Century Fox and Red Hour Productions, written and directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber and starring Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, and Rip Torn...
(2004) - Next (2007)
- The Hangover (film)The Hangover (film)The Hangover is a 2009 American comedy film directed by Todd Phillips and written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. The film stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Justin Bartha and Jeffrey Tambor...
(2009) - The video game Grand Theft Auto San Andreas (fictitiously depicted as the Las Venturas Police Department)
- The video game Rainbow Six Vegas
- The First 48
See also
- List of law enforcement agencies in Nevada
- Zane FloydZane FloydZane Michael Floyd is a convicted mass murderer who is most notorious for killing four people and injuring another in a Las Vegas, Nevada supermarket on June 3, 1999. After pleading guilty to the murders, Floyd was sentenced to death by a Clark County jury.-Background:After attending high school,...
- O.J. Simpson and O. J. Simpson robbery case
- Tupac ShakurTupac ShakurTupac Amaru Shakur , known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. Shakur has sold over 75 million albums worldwide as of 2007, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world...
and The Killing of Tupac ShakurThe Killing of Tupac ShakurThe Killing of Tupac Shakur, a biographical and true-crime account, by journalist and author Cathy Scott, of the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur. The book made news upon its September 1997 release, on the first anniversary of Shakur's death, because of an autopsy photo included in its pages. It...
External links
- Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department web site
- LVMPD Academy and Recruitment web site
- Las Vegas Police Protective Association
- LVMPD Search and Rescue
- LVMPD K-9 web site
- "Protect the City" - Metro Recruiting
- "Injured Police Officers Fund" - Official fund to aid officers injured or killed in line of duty
- Las Vegas Police/Fire/EMS Live Feed
- Officer.com