Nevada Takes Action to Address Lack of Armed Security at Las Vegas Casino

Nevada gaming regulators are addressing a shortage of armed security personnel at Las Vegas casinos following changes to federal regulations that impeded background check procedures. The Nevada Gaming Control Board took action to address the issue on Wednesday, and it is expected to do so next month.

Since last spring, Las Vegas casinos have faced a shortage of armed security personnel due to changes in federal regulations that prevent gaming regulators from accessing federal databases for background checks on security personnel. The result has been a challenge to hire new armed police officers or renew existing employees' licenses. To alleviate this situation, the commission recommended regulatory changes to make it easier for casinos to hire and retain qualified armed security personnel, according to the CDC Gaming Report.

Temporary solution for concealed carry permit holders

The proposed solution allows concealed carry permit (CCW) applicants to receive a criminal background check through the county sheriff's department rather than the game control board. Under the new rules, armed security personnel can register with the CCW for 120 days while awaiting the results of the background check. If a problem occurs during this period, you can unregister.

In addition, active and retired law enforcement officers can obtain a security license without going through a background check process.

The new regulatory framework comes after a violent incident at a Red Rock resort last month in which a man stabbed two employees before being shot by an armed security guard. The man is now charged with attempted murder and stabbing. The incident highlighted the importance of armed security personnel in preventing violent crime in casinos.

Virginia Valentine, president of the Nevada Resort Association, thanked the board for working to address the issue and find a solution. "This allows the resort to maintain staffing levels for new hiring and renewal of registration," Valentine said. "The security of our team members and guests is paramount. There was a recent case of armed security personnel making a big difference at a resort."

Board President Kirk Hendrick also stressed the importance of addressing the issue, saying the lack of qualified armed security is a critical issue for Nevada employees, residents, and visitors. "I understand that other agencies shouldn't just have people reviewing private records for employment purposes," Hendrick said. "Nevertheless, we need to hire and retain qualified people for armed security."

Strengthen background checks through the Sheriff's Department

Christy Torgerson, director of the commission's executive department, explained that the new procedure allows the sheriff's department to submit authenticated receipts to the commission, which confirms that a CCW permit application has been submitted. The new system enhances the screening process, allowing for a more comprehensive background check that evaluates mental health records and international activities that the game control commission previously lacked resources to address.

"Now we're starting a full background check again," says Torgerson. "The sheriff's office is doing a more comprehensive background check. We're looking into mental health issues and expats. They have these resources and authority, so they're doing a more in-depth investigation."

The Long-Term Impact of Casino's Armed Security

The rule changes will help new hires, especially in the security sector. Armed security personnel who are nearing the expiration of their five-year license will still need to renew their CCW license, but the new system will allow them to seamlessly onboarding new employees. Torgerson noted that such a fast-track process is critical to ensuring casinos retain armed security personnel to support local law enforcement and keep public safety. 동행복권파워볼

Ray Steiber, MGM Resorts International's executive director of special operations and corporate security, emphasized the importance of safety for the gaming industry, especially its 50,000 employees in southern Nevada. Steiber praised the new regulations, saying, "Safety is critical for our 50,000 Southern Nevada-based team members and millions of tourists every year who work at our resort."