News Summary
Las Vegas is scrutinizing its City Marshals following multiple civil rights lawsuits questioning their authority and use of force. Issues surrounding traffic stops performed outside their jurisdiction have led to lawsuits, including a class-action suit. Critics argue that the marshals’ enforcement of traffic laws on state roads is unconstitutional, while supporters assert their role is vital for maintaining order. The legal challenges highlight ongoing debates over accountability and police practices in the city.
Las Vegas is currently facing scrutiny regarding its City Marshals, as a series of civil rights lawsuits have raised questions about their jurisdiction and use of force. This comes in the wake of five lawsuits filed this year, challenging the marshals’ authority, particularly in relation to traffic stops conducted outside their designated areas of jurisdiction.
The Las Vegas City Marshals are a law enforcement agency that operates under the City of Las Vegas. Their primary responsibilities include protecting city-owned properties like the Fremont Street Experience and local parks. Despite working alongside the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the marshals possess limited jurisdiction confined to specific city-controlled areas.
Among the key issues highlighted in the lawsuits is the jurisdictional boundary concerning traffic enforcement. In one notable case, a man named Derek Myers was arrested on a highway without any official charges being filed against him. Another lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada involved Lance Downes-Covington, who also was stopped for a traffic violation outside the marshals’ jurisdiction. The ACLU lawsuit prompted the marshals to update their website to clarify their duties related to traffic laws.
Currently, the City Marshals consist of 91 Deputy City Marshals and 180 Corrections Officers, all operating under the City of Las Vegas’ Department of Public Safety. The department’s annual budget stands at $105.6 million, with $76 million earmarked for salaries and benefits. The City Marshal’s Office has roots dating back to 1981, initially as the Las Vegas Department of Detention and Correctional Services. In 1992, the park ranger unit was restructured and renamed the Deputy City Marshal unit.
Critics of the City Marshals argue that their jurisdiction is improperly exercised, particularly when it comes to performing duties on state or federal highways. Lawsuits have emerged, including a class-action suit led by Myers, which claims systemic violations of Fourth Amendment rights due to improper stops and arrests. This class-action lawsuit seeks over $1 million in damages along with an injunction to prevent marshals from operating outside their jurisdiction.
Additionally, two lawsuits are alleging excessive force by certain marshals, mirroring the incidents faced by Myers and Downes-Covington. Concerns have also been raised about the experience levels of the marshals in conducting routine law enforcement duties, which critics suggest might lead to heightened tensions during encounters with the public. Although City Marshals undergo the same basic Peace Officers and Standards Training (POST) as Metropolitan Police, their real-world experience could be lacking when compared to that of seasoned officers.
Supporters of the marshals, including Las Vegas city leadership, defend their actions as critical for maintaining order in city spaces. Despite this, the ongoing civil rights lawsuits underscore fundamental disagreements over the scope of the marshals’ authority and whether their practices align with the requirements of law enforcement. A legal opinion from a former district attorney has reaffirmed that the marshals’ jurisdiction is indeed limited to city-controlled properties, raising ongoing concerns regarding their enforcement of traffic laws.
The situation regarding the City Marshals in Las Vegas reflects a broader tension about accountability and governance in law enforcement practices. As these civil rights lawsuits unfold, the outcomes could significantly impact the operational framework and public perception of the Las Vegas City Marshals, ultimately shaping the future of law enforcement in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Las Vegas Marshals’ Jurisdiction Under Scrutiny Amid Lawsuits
Las Vegas Journalist Faces Criminal Charges After Arrest
Additional Resources
- The Nevada Independent: Shadow Police Force Lawsuits
- KTNV: Mistaken Identity Case
- News 3 LV: Criminal Complaint Issued
- Fox 5 Vegas: City Files Charges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Las Vegas
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
