Nevada Gaming Commission Acts To End Shortage Of Armed Security In Las Vegas Casinos
The Nevada Gaming Commission took action Thursday to put an end to a shortage of armed security at Las Vegas casinos by making it easier for them to hire and retain gun-toting employees just ahead of the holidays.
Background Check Issues And Proposed Solution
Since the spring, Las Vegas casinos have faced a shortage of armed security after gaming regulators were prohibited by the FBI from using a federal database to do background checks on armed officer recruits, along with for those whose licenses were coming up for renewal. It took several months of discussion, but a solution was found to overcome the problem by allowing applicants and current security who apply for a concealed-carry permit to go through a criminal background check with their county sheriff’s department rather than the Gaming Control Board. Since it’s now deemed illegal for the Board to do so, the Board recommended approval at a meeting in October.
Temporary Registration And Enforcement Measures
Deputy Attorney General Nona Lawrence told the Commission Thursday that Metro Police would run checks before issuing applicants a receipt for a CCW application, equivalent to a background check previously done, that would serve as temporary registration. For Las Vegas properties, Metro Police will do an all-50-states warrant check and look for people coming from outside the country that the Board currently isn’t able to address.
Those armed security would have a registration for 120 days while complete background checks come back for the concealed-weapons permit and their licensing can be revoked or denied if something pops up.
Impact On Holiday Season And Industry Response
The change will impact new hires the most, because armed security who know their five-year licenses are about to expire can seek out a CCW permit. The rule wasn’t needed for active-duty officers and retired law enforcement in good standing who can otherwise be licensed without going through that process.
The change comes just in time for the busy holiday season. The need for armed security was demonstrated in August when a man stabbed two Red Rock Resort employees before a guard shot and injured him.
Virginia Valentine, president of the Nevada Resort Association, said many security guards have backgrounds in law enforcement, but others do not and this process “is critically important for our armed security guards and public safety. Protecting our guests and team members is of paramount importance to us.”
Valentine said the industry is grateful to regulators for addressing their concerns and coming up with a creative solution, so that registrations can continue in a timely manner. “When registration expires, that can affect our ability to fully staff resort security with armed security guards.”
Commissioner Brian Krolicki called it a “profoundly serious issue with the rough and tumble of the world. This topic has been thoroughly thought out.”
Commissioner Abbi Silver said it’s not easy when everyone has different ideas, but are able to come up with a solution.
Commission Chair and former judge Jennifer P. Togliatti said it’s difficult to find qualified people for security or law enforcement work and that a solution was found.
“This affects a balance, and I applaud you all for working together with the industry,” Togliatti said. “We have the rules, and we have to rely on the industry itself to do the checks they can do and backgrounds they can do on folks they’re looking to hire for such important positions that have such an impact on people they come in contact with. It’s a position of power.”
