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USE OF FORCE AND VEHICLE PURSUIT
ANNUAL 5-YEAR STATISTICAL REPORT
2015-2019 LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
JOSEPH LOMBARDO, SHERIFF
INTERNAL OVERSIGHT AND CONSTITUTIONAL POLICING BUREAU
OFFICE OF INTERNAL OVERSIGHT
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................... 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
NON‐DEADLY USE OF FORCE .................................................................................................................................................. 6
NON‐DEADLY USE OF FORCE OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................ 6
BODY‐WORN CAMERAS ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
CALLS FOR SERVICE ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
AREA OF ASSIGNMENT ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
FORCE TYPE USED ............................................................................................................................................................... 9
INJURIES ............................................................................................................................................................................ 11
ASSESSMENT OF SUBJECTS ............................................................................................................................................... 12
ACTIONS OF SUBJECTS ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
NON‐DEADLY POLICE‐RELATED USE OF FORCE SUBJECT DEMOGRAPHICS ...................................................................... 13
LVMPD JURISDICTION COMMUNITY PROFILE................................................................................................................... 14
LVMPD POLICE OFFICER DEMOGRAPHICS ........................................................................................................................ 14
LVMPD POLICE PERSONNEL ETHNICITY AND GENDER ..................................................................................................... 15
ACCOUNTABILITY .............................................................................................................................................................. 15
DEADLY USE OF FORCE ......................................................................................................................................................... 17
OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................... 17
OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING AGENCY COMPARISON................................................................................................... 18
TYPES OF DISPATCHED EVENTS ......................................................................................................................................... 18
LOCATION OF OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENT ................................................................................................. 19
MONTH OF OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENT ..................................................................................................... 20
DAY OF OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENT ........................................................................................................... 21
TIME OF OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENT ......................................................................................................... 21
TIME INTERVALS BETWEEN OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS ......................................................................... 22
TIME ON SCENE PRIOR TO INITIAL SHOTS FIRED .............................................................................................................. 22
ON‐SCENE SUPERVISION ................................................................................................................................................... 23
INVOLVED OFFICER DEMOGRAPHICS ............................................................................................................................... 23
LVMPD POLICE PERSONNEL ETHNICITY AND GENDER ..................................................................................................... 24
INVOLVED OFFICER CLASSIFICATION ................................................................................................................................ 25
INVOLVED OFFICER TENURE ............................................................................................................................................. 25
INVOLVED OFFICER AREA OF ASSIGNMENT ..................................................................................................................... 25
PREVIOUS OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING ....................................................................................................................... 26
FIREARMS EMPLOYED BY OFFICERS .................................................................................................................................. 26
SUMMARY OF SHOTS FIRED BY OFFICERS ........................................................................................................................ 27
DISTANCE OF INITIAL SHOTS FIRED BY OFFICERS ............................................................................................................. 27
OFFICER INVOLVEMENT .................................................................................................................................................... 28
OFFICER INJURIES .............................................................................................................................................................. 29
LESS LETHAL FORCE DURING AN OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING .................................................................................... 29
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
FOOT PURSUITS PRECEDING AN OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING .................................................................................... 29
OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INVOLVED SUBJECT DEMOGRAPHICS ............................................................................ 30
LVMPD JURISDICTION COMMUNITY PROFILE................................................................................................................... 31
OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INVOLVED SUBJECT DEMOGRAPHICS ‐ FATAL OUTCOMES ........................................... 31
OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INVOLVED SUBJECT DEMOGRAPHICS ‐ NON‐FATAL OUTCOMES .................................. 32
SUBJECT WEAPON ............................................................................................................................................................. 33
MENTAL STATE OF SUBJECT .............................................................................................................................................. 34
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT .............................................................................................................................. 35
SUMMARY OF SHOTS FIRED BY SUBJECT .......................................................................................................................... 35
SUBJECT INJURIES ............................................................................................................................................................. 35
NON‐SHOOTING DEADLY FORCE INCIDENT OVERVIEW ................................................................................................... 36
USE OF DEADLY FORCE ON ANIMALS ............................................................................................................................... 36
CRITICAL INCIDENT REVIEW PROCESS .............................................................................................................................. 38
2019 USE OF FORCE REVIEW BOARDS .............................................................................................................................. 39
INTERNAL OVERSIGHT AND CONSTITUTIONAL POLICING RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................ 40
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................................................................ 42
VEHICLE PURSUITS ................................................................................................................................................................ 45
VEHICLE PURSUITS OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................................... 45
INITIAL REASON FOR PURSUIT .......................................................................................................................................... 45
PURSUIT INITIATION AND TERMINATION POINTS ............................................................................................................ 46
PURSUIT DISTANCE AND DURATION ................................................................................................................................. 47
PURSUIT SPEED ................................................................................................................................................................. 48
PURSUIT SHIFT .................................................................................................................................................................. 49
PURSUIT SUBJECT DEMOGRAPHICS .................................................................................................................................. 49
USE OF THE AIR UNIT DURING A PURSUIT ........................................................................................................................ 50
PURSUIT DISCONTINUED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT ........................................................................................................... 51
PURSUIT INTERVENTION TECHNIQUES ............................................................................................................................. 51
PURSUIT ACCIDENTS ......................................................................................................................................................... 52
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM A PURSUIT.......................................................................................................................... 53
INJURIES RESULTING FROM A PURSUIT ............................................................................................................................ 53
ACCOUNTABILITY .............................................................................................................................................................. 54
APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................................................................. 56
NON‐DEADLY USE OF FORCE CHARTS ............................................................................................................................... 56
STATISTICAL SUMMARY FOR OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTINGS ........................................................................................ 58
2015 OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS ............................................................................................................. 59
2016 OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS ............................................................................................................. 60
2017 OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS ............................................................................................................. 61
2018 OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS ............................................................................................................. 63
2019 OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS ............................................................................................................. 65
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
2019 INTERNAL OVERSIGHT AND CONSITUTIONAL POLICING RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................... 66
AWARENESS REPORTS ...................................................................................................................................................... 72
2015‐2019 OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING LOCATIONS ................................................................................................... 73
2019 VEHICLE PURSUIT ORIGINATING LOCATIONS .......................................................................................................... 74
10‐YEAR OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................................................... 75
USE OF FORCE MODEL ...................................................................................................................................................... 77
1 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
INTRODUCTION
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) is committed to being transparent and accountable in all aspects
of use of force and vehicle pursuit incidents. The force investigation model used by the LVMPD is one of continuous, critical
self‐analysis that results in adjustments to training, policy and education within the Department.
As part of our commitment to the community we serve, we recognize our obligation to document, analyze and publicly
report data on use of force incidents and vehicle pursuits. The Internal Oversight and Constitutional Policing Bureau’s Use
of Force and Vehicle Pursuit Annual 5‐Year Statistical Report reflects the Department’s continued efforts to build
community trust and enhance overall police service.
The purpose of the analysis within this report is to further refine police responses in the field with the hope of preventing
harm to both citizens and officers by preserving the sanctity of life. Assessing the factors surrounding both deadly and
non‐deadly force encounters is an important step toward ensuring the safest possible outcome for all involved. This report
contains summary data intended to track, evaluate and support improvements in police training and practices as it relates
to deadly and non‐deadly use of force and vehicle pursuits. The report identifies demographics, categorizes interactions
and describes the circumstances surrounding the incidents, as well as the collective profiles of the subjects and officers
involved.
The information in this report provides tremendous value by informing the Department of emerging trends and identifying
training needs. As the agency continues its emphasis on de‐escalation, the goal remains to identify areas of improvement
for the individual officer’s performance and overall Department policy, practices and training.
By the end of 2019, the LVMPD accomplished the following in its response to deadly force and other critical incidents:
A 27% reduction in officer‐involved shootings (OISs) during 2019 is significant, and illustrates officers are
responding to additional training in the de‐escalation of situations.
In 2018, LVMPD had 6 OISs against a subject armed with a knife/sharp object. In 2019, that was reduced to zero.
Officers are utilizing less lethal force options more often as a de‐escalation tactic to subdue a subject, rather than
resorting to deadly force options.
Police sergeants were on the scene in 50% of the OISs in 2019, which was 8% higher than the 5‐year average,
showing increased situational awareness in our supervisors.
As an agency that places the highest value in human life, we will always strive to hold the highest regard for the dignity
and liberty of all persons, and place minimal reliance upon the use of force. During 2019 areas of improvement were
identified where training and/or policy updates were needed. When this occurs, LVMPD immediately addresses the issues
to improve accountability. Some of the changes for 2019 included:
Training in preventing in‐custody deaths and improvements in providing medical attention to those in medical
crisis has been updated, in addition to updating policy.
Shooting at a moving vehicle increased in 2019. In response, LVMPD pushed out Awareness Reports, updated and
provided clarification in policy and developed training specific to shooting at a moving vehicle and fleeing felons.
(see Awareness Reports, p. 72)
2 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Use of Force and Vehicle Pursuit Annual 5‐Year Statistical Report is prepared by the bureau of Internal Oversight and
Constitutional Policing. This review is a 5‐year examination of non‐deadly use of force incidents, deadly use of force
incidents and vehicle pursuits for the period of 2015‐2019. The Executive Summary is intended to highlight the most
significant findings, trends, patterns or issues documented in the body of the report. Where appropriate, explanations are
provided regarding measures introduced by the Department to address, and in some cases, mitigate identified matters of
concern.
In 2019, there were 925 uses of non‐deadly force, which is an increase of 7% from 2018 (867 uses). Over the past
5 years, the Department’s non‐deadly use of force incidents increased by 19% while staffing for police and
corrections officers increased 24% (784 officers). (See Non‐Deadly Use of Force Overview, p. 6)
The application of a K‐9 is reserved for subjects displaying an active, aggressive or aggravated aggressive level of
resistance. In 2019, the deployment of a K‐9 resulted in 35 K‐9 dog bites. The use of a K‐9 in 2019 was
approximately 2 uses higher than the 5‐year average. The K‐9 was effective in 100% of uses in 2019. (See Force
Type Used, p. 9‐10)
In 2019, officers used the less lethal shotgun 14 times to subdue subjects without resorting to deadly force
options. In 2019, the less lethal shotgun was utilized 9 more times than in 2018. When compared to the 5‐year
average, the use of the less lethal shotgun was 3 uses higher than the average. The less lethal shotgun was
effective in subduing the subject 71% of the time in 2019. (See Force Type Used, p. 9‐10)
In 2019, officers used the 40mm, a less lethal specialty impact weapon, 30 times to subdue subjects without
resorting to deadly force options. The 40mm was utilized 25 more times in 2019 than in 2018. When compared to
the 5‐year average, the 40mm was approximately 19 uses higher than the average. In 2019, the 40mm was
effective in subduing the subject 50% of the time and had limited effectiveness 30% of the time. (See Force Type
Used, p. 9‐10)
There were a total of 86 officer‐involved shooting (OIS) incidents during the 5‐year period. In 2019, there were 16
OIS incidents, which is a decrease of 27% when compared to 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average of 17
incidents, the number of OISs in 2019 was 1 lower than the average. In 2019, 75% of OIS incidents had non‐fatal
outcomes and 25% had fatal outcomes. (See Officer‐Involved Shooting Overview, p. 17)
The number of OISs that occurred in Bolden Area Command (BAC) and Northeast Area Command (NEAC)
decreased from 3 in 2018 to zero in 2019. BAC and NEAC were the only area commands without any OISs in 2019.
(See Location of Officer‐Involved Shooting Incident, p. 19)
In 2019, there were 16 OIS incidents which involved 24 shooting officers. Eighty‐three percent of OISs involved a
white police officer in 2019, which was 9% higher than the 5‐year average (74%). All the involved officers in a 2019
OIS were male, which was 1% higher than the 5‐year average (99%). (See Involved Officer Demographics, p. 23‐
24)
3 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
The predominant race of OIS subjects during the 5‐year period was white (40%). In 2019, 59% of subjects involved
in an OIS were white and 24% were black. Males accounted for 100% of the subjects involved in OISs in 2019,
which was 5% higher than the 5‐year average. (See Officer‐Involved Shooting Involved Subject Demographics, p.
30)
Subjects were armed in 97% of the OISs in the 5‐year period. Subjects were armed with a firearm in 76% of the
OIS incidents over the 5‐year period. There were no OISs where the subject was armed with a knife or sharp object
in 2019. In 2018, the subject was armed with a knife or sharp object in 6 OIS incidents. On average, over the 5‐
year period, subjects were armed with a knife or sharp object in 13% of incidents. In 2019, the subject was
unarmed in 2 OIS incidents. (See Subject Weapon, p. 33‐34)
During the 5‐year period, 34% of the involved subjects exhibited signs of a perceived mental illness, made suicidal
statements or actively sought police as a means to end their life. (See Mental State of Subject, p. 34)
During the 5‐year period, the majority (91%) of subjects associated with an OIS had a previous criminal history
ranging from misdemeanor to felony arrests or prior police contact (i.e., traffic citations). Ninety‐four percent of
2019 OIS subjects had prior contact with police. In 2019, 18% of subjects associated with an OIS had non‐violent
criminal history while 76% had violent criminal history. (See Criminal Background of Subject, p. 35)
In 2019, LVMPD was involved in 44 vehicle pursuit incidents, which is a 12% decrease from the number of pursuit
incidents in 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, the number of pursuits which occurred in 2019 was 2
incidents lower than the average. (See Vehicle Pursuits Overview, p. 45)
In 2019, 84% of pursuit incidents were initiated for felony offenses, which was 3% higher than the 5‐year average.
Due to other aggravating circumstances, such as the subject presenting a clear and immediate danger to the
public, officers initiated 7 pursuits for traffic offenses. (See Initial Reason for Pursuit, p. 45)
Seventy‐seven percent of 2019 vehicle pursuit incidents were concluded within 5 miles or less, which was 4%
lower than the 5‐year average. In 2019, 32% of vehicle pursuits spanned 1 mile or less. In 2019, 73% of pursuits
lasted less than 5 minutes, which was 3% lower than the 5‐year average. (See Pursuit Distance and Duration, p.
47)
Sixty‐eight percent of 2019 vehicle pursuits reached a maximum speed over 60 mph. When compared to the 5‐
year average, the number of 2019 vehicle pursuit incidents which reached maximum speeds over 60 mph was 3%
higher than the average. (See Pursuit Distance and Duration, p. 47)
4 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
......................................
2019 population for LVMPD jurisdiction.
(Source: LVMPD 2019 Annual Report)
In 2019, LVMPD handled 1,588,167 select calls for service.
(Includes both citizen initiated calls and the following officer initiated calls: Vehicle Stops, Pedestrian Stops and
Bar/Perimeter Checks)
Non‐Deadly Use of Force
occurred in 0.058% of the
select calls for service.
OISs occurred in 0.001% of the
select calls for service.
2019 tourist volume. (Source: LVMPD 2019 Annual Report)
2019 FORCE OVERVIEW
..............
…..…………
............................
............................................
5 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
925 TOTAL USE OF FORCE INCIDENTSin 2019
757 POLICE OFFICER INCIDENTS 5% increase
Uses of an Electronic Control Device
10% increase from 2018 55% Effective 126
At times officers are required to utilize less‐lethal force tools and tactics in an effort to gain compliance. Officers rely on policy, training and experience when determining the level of force necessary to bring the situation under control in a safe manner.
NON‐DEADLY USE OF FORCE
Uses of Empty Hand Techniques 1% increase from 2018 87% Effective 750
Uses of the Lateral Vascular Neck Restraint®
No change from 2018 76% Effective 21
K‐9 Dog Bites 30% increase from 2018 100% Effective 35
168 CORRECTION OFFICER INCIDENTS16% increase
6 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
NON‐DEADLY USE OF FORCE
At times, officers are required to utilize less‐lethal force tools and tactics in an effort to gain compliance and subdue a
subject who is resisting officer commands. Officers rely on law, policy, training and experience when determining the
appropriate level of force necessary to bring the situation under control in a safe and prudent manner. Throughout an
interaction with a subject, officers continually reassess the subject’s actions and modify their response to ensure the safety
of the community, officers and involved subject. The Non‐Deadly Use of Force section of this report identifies the types of
force utilized by officers, injuries resulting from a use of force and demographics of the involved subjects and officers.
Please note, in some cases, percentages may not total 100%, as they are rounded to the nearest whole percent.
NON‐DEADLY USE OF FORCE OVERVIEW
In 2019, there were 925 uses of non‐deadly force. When
compared to 2018, this is an increase of 7%. The average
number of non‐deadly use of force incidents during the 5‐
year period was 824 incidents. When compared to the 5‐
year average, 2019 was 12% higher than the average. Over
the past 5 years, the Department’s non‐deadly use of force
incidents increased by 19% while staffing for police and
corrections officers increased 24% (784 officers). In 2019,
police officers accounted for 82% of the uses of force, while
corrections officers accounted for 18%. The ratio of non‐
deadly use of force incidents per officer was 0.23 in 2019.
This is a slight increase from 2018 (0.22) and no change
when compared to the 5‐year average (0.23).
Of the 925 incidents in 2019, 207 were documented as “Complaint of Injury Only,” which means there was no visible
injury, but the subject claimed they were injured. Eighty‐one percent of the 207 complaint of injury incidents involved
police officers, while 19% involved corrections officers. Empty hand/takedown techniques were the most common force
types documented in complaint of injury incidents.
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
PoliceOfficers
CorrectionsOfficers
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
7 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
BODY‐WORN CAMERAS
It is a goal of the LVMPD to maximize trust, transparency and communication as well as develop and enhance community
relationships. The employment of body‐worn cameras (BWC) affords the Department the ability to be transparent and
proactively address critical incidents by presenting a firsthand account of the event. By utilizing BWC in this manner, the
LVMPD continues to improve its relationship with the community.
The LVMPD began outfitting officers with BWC in 2014. As of today, 2,384 (73%) police officers wear BWC, to include all
patrol officers. Some specialized units have not been issued BWC due to the nature of their position. When compared to
2018, the number of issued cameras increased by 21, which is an increase of 1%.
CALLS FOR SERVICE
The LVMPD is able to gauge the number of incidents that may
result in an officer having to use force by monitoring the
demands for police services. During 2019, citizen initiated calls
for service (CFS) decreased by 4%. As with the previous five years,
CFS (citizen initiated) account for the majority of our police‐
related non‐deadly use of force incidents. In 2019, 51% were
related to citizen initiated calls. When compared to 2018, this is
a decrease of 2% and is 1% lower than the overall citizen initiated
5‐year average.
Officer initiated calls, to include Vehicle Stops and Pedestrian Stops, have increased 17% since 2018. Vehicle Stops and
Pedestrian Stops continue to account for a sizable portion of police‐related non‐deadly use of force incidents. In 2019,
23% of police‐related non‐deadly use of force incidents occurred during a Pedestrian Stop while 10% occurred during a
Vehicle Stop.
In 2019, there were a total of 1,588,167 calls, which includes both citizen initiated calls and the following officer initiated
calls: Vehicle Stops, Pedestrian Stops and Bar/Perimeter Checks. Analysis indicates officers applied non‐deadly force in
.058% of the aforementioned calls.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
Vehicle and PedestrianStops Resulting in aNon‐Deadly UOF
Citizen Initiated CFSResulting in a
Non‐Deadly UOF
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
8 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
AREA OF ASSIGNMENT
LVMPD’s jurisdiction is divided into nine area commands,
as well as four surrounding unincorporated, rural resident
districts. A significant portion (approximately 69%) of 2019
non‐deadly use of force incidents occurred in the area
commands. This is primarily due to the number of citizen
contacts associated with the area commands in
comparison to other police bureaus (12%) and the
detention center (18%).
Enterprise Area Command (EAC) experienced a decrease in
the number of use of force incidents compared to 2018,
with a decrease of 2 incidents. Eight area commands
incurred an increase in the number of use of force incidents
compared to 2018. These increases ranged from 2 each in
Northeast Area Command (NEAC) and Northwest Area
Command (NWAC), to 15 in Bolden Area Command (BAC).
Two bureaus within the Detention Services Division (DSD),
Staff/Admin Operations Bureau (D/SAOB) and South Tower
Bureau (D/STB), experienced a decrease in non‐deadly use of
force incidents from 2018 to 2019. D/SAOB had a decrease of
5 incidents and D/STB had a decrease of 2 incidents. The North
0 20 40 60 80 100
Spring Valley
Southeast
South Central
Northwest
Northeast
Enterprise
Downtown
ConventionCenter
Bolden
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
D/CBB D/NTB D/STB D/SAOB D/CCB D/NVC2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
9 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
Tower Bureau (D/NTB), Civil/Constable Bureau (D/CCB), Central Booking (D/CBB) and North Valley Complex (D/NVC) each
had increases in 2019 with increases of 19, 8, 2 and 1, respectively. Forty‐four percent of 2019 DSD uses of force occurred
in D/NTB. When compared to the percentage of incidents which occurred in D/NTB in 2018, this is an increase of 6%. In
2019, 18% of DSD uses of force occurred in D/STB. When compared to the percentage of events which occurred in D/STB
in 2018, this is a decrease of 4%. In 2018, 22% of DSD incidents occurred in D/STB.
FORCE TYPE USED
When use of force is needed, officers must assess each incident to determine, based on law, policy, training and experience, which use of force option would best bring the incident under control in a safe and prudent manner. Officers must consider all factors before using force and choose a reasonable option based on the “totality of the circumstances” present. A 5‐year review of select force types is outlined below. A complete listing of all non‐deadly force tools is included in the Appendix. Empty Hand/Takedown Techniques Use of force reports reflected empty hand/takedown techniques were the predominant tool used to gain compliance from
subjects. This is especially true as uses of other tools have declined and the Department has trained and practiced de‐
escalation since 2012. When compared to all force types utilized in 2019, police officers applied empty hand/takedown
techniques 64% of the time and corrections officers 67% of the time. In 2019, the use of empty hand/takedown techniques
was effective, on average, 87% of the time, which is 2% higher than the 5‐year average effectiveness. When compared to
2018, empty hand/takedown techniques in 2019 were 3% more effective.
Electronic Control Device (ECD) In 2019 all commissioned officers received training on the new ECD (Taser 7). The ECD was utilized 126 times in 2019. This
is an increase of 10% when compared to 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, use of the ECD in 2019 was
approximately 3 uses higher than the average. When compared to all force types utilized in 2019, police officers utilized
the ECD 11% of the time and corrections officers 10%. The ECD was effective in subduing the subject 55% of the time,
which is 5% lower than the 5‐year average.
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
40mm
Less LethalShotgun
K‐9
LVNR®
ECD
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
*Empty Hand/Takedown Techniques are not depicted on the above graph due to the variation in uses in comparison to the other tools.
10 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
Lateral Vascular Neck Restraint® (LVNR®) There were 21 uses of the LVNR® in 2019, which is no change from 2018 and the lowest number of uses during the 5‐year
period. When compared to the 5‐year average, the number of uses in 2019 was approximately 13 uses lower than the
average. This is likely due to an update to the LVMPD Use of Force Policy, specifically the use of the LVNR®. In September
2017, policy was updated to reflect that officers may only apply the LVNR® when a subject is displaying aggressive or
aggravated aggressive levels of resistance. Previously, officers were allowed to utilize the lowest level of this technique
when a subject was displaying active resistance. All levels are now considered intermediate or deadly force. In 2019, the
LVNR® was deemed effective in subduing the subject in 76% of incidents. This is 5% higher than the 5‐year average (71%)
effectiveness.
K‐9 In some cases, it is necessary to deploy a K‐9 to safely and effectively take a subject into custody. The application of a K‐9
is reserved for subjects displaying an active, aggressive or aggravated aggressive level of resistance. In 2019, the
deployment of a K‐9 resulted in 35 reportable uses of force for dog bites. When compared to 2018, this is an increase of
8 reportable uses of force. The use of a K‐9 in 2019 was approximately 2 uses higher than the 5‐year average. The K‐9 was
effective in 100% of uses, which is 3% higher than the 5‐year average.
Less Lethal Shotgun In 2019, officers used the less lethal shotgun 14 times to subdue subjects without resorting to deadly force options. When
compared to all force types utilized in 2019, police officers and corrections officers each utilized the less lethal shotgun
1% of the time. In 2019, the less lethal shotgun was utilized 9 more times than in 2018. When compared to the 5‐year
average, the use of the less lethal shotgun was 3 uses higher than the average. The less lethal shotgun was effective in
subduing the subject 71% of the time in 2019. When the less lethal shotgun was not effective, the most common tools
used after the less lethal shotgun were OC Spray, 40mm and ECD.
The subject was armed 13 of the 14 times officers utilized the less lethal shotgun in 2019. The majority of subjects were
armed with an edged weapon. In 3 of the instances involving an armed subject, the subject was armed with multiple
weapons. The one unarmed subject involved the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) within the jail. In 5 events, the
subject displayed an aggressive behavior and advanced toward officers while armed with a weapon. There was one
incident where the less lethal shotgun was utilized by two separate officers on the same subject.
40mm Specialty Impact Weapon (40mm)
Beginning in April 2018 the 40mm became available for use by patrol officers during patrol operations. In 2019, officers
used the 40mm 30 times to subdue subjects without resorting to deadly force options. When compared to all force types
utilized in 2019, police officers utilized the 40mm 3% of the time and corrections officers 2% of the time. The 40mm was
utilized 25 more times in 2019 than in 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, the 40mm was approximately 19 uses
higher than the average. In 2019, the 40mm was effective in subduing the subject 50% of the time and had limited
effectiveness 30% of the time. When the 40mm was not effective or had limited effectiveness, the most common tools
used after the 40mm were K‐9, less lethal shotgun, OC Spray and ECD.
11 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
The 40mm was used by Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers 11 times during a SWAT operation in 2019. Patrol
officers utilized the 40mm 16 times and the subject was armed in 14 of those instances. In 2019, there were 4 events
involving multiple officers using the 40mm on the same subject. SERT officers within the jail used the 40mm 3 times in
2019.
INJURIES
The number of officers injured as a result of a use of force
incident decreased by 2% from 2018 to 2019. When
compared to the 5‐year average, officer injuries were 2
injuries higher than the average. The number of officers
seeking treatment at a hospital for an injury resulting from
a non‐deadly use of force incident increased by 26% from
2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, the number
of officers seeking treatment at a hospital in 2019 was
approximately 11 higher than the average.
The number of subjects claiming injury from non‐deadly use
of force incidents increased by 17% from 2018 to 2019.
When compared to the 5‐year average, subject injuries were
134 injuries higher than the average. The number of
subjects seeking treatment at a hospital for an injury
resulting from a non‐deadly use of force incident increased
by 24% from 2018 to 2019. When compared to the 5‐year
average, the number of subjects seeking treatment at a hospital in 2019 was 68 higher than the average. There were,
however, instances where the subject requested hospital treatment and the cause was not always due to the force used.
Some subjects were transported for Legal 2000’s, pre‐existing conditions and other miscellaneous medical issues,
therefore, the numbers can be misleading.
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
OfficersTreated ata Hospital
OfficersInjured
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
SubjectsTreated ata Hospital
SubjectsInjured
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
12 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
ASSESSMENT OF SUBJECTS
In most instances, when officers first arrive on a call they have
little time to make an assessment of the subject’s mental
state. Officers consider the information gathered through the
9‐1‐1 call taker, their own personal assessment of the subject,
as well as any other information available to them upon their
arrival. This assessment considers mental health, drug or
alcohol use or any other unknown factor. In 13% of the
incidents, the officer believed the subject was under the
influence of drugs or alcohol. In 11% of the incidents, officers
believed the subject was experiencing a mental crisis.
ACTIONS OF SUBJECTS
The three most frequently reported subject actions during a non‐deadly use of force incident in 2019 were attempt to
flee, fighting and assault on an officer. Both fighting and assault on an officer place the subject in the aggressive resistance
category. Attempt to flee may also warrant an intermediate level of force from the officer based on the severity of the
crime and if the subject poses an immediate threat to the safety of officers or others.
During an officer’s initial observation, the immediate identification of a weapon has historically been low for non‐deadly
use of force incidents. In 2019 incidents where a weapon was identified, an edged weapon was the most frequently
reported weapon, followed by firearm and an impact weapon.
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
MentallyUnstable
Under theInfluence
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
13 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
NON‐DEADLY POLICE‐RELATED USE OF FORCE SUBJECT DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2019, the subject of a police‐related non‐deadly use of force incident was black in 38% of instances. When compared
to 2018, the percentage of black subjects decreased by 1%. When compared to the 5‐year average, 2019 was 1% lower
than the average.
White subjects were involved in 36% of instances, which is a decrease of 2% from 2018. When compared to the 5‐year
average, 2019 was 1% lower than the average. Black subjects and white subjects combined for 74% of the subjects involved
in a police‐related non‐deadly use of force incident.
The subject of a police‐related non‐deadly use of force incident was predominantly male. Males accounted for 80% of the
incidents in 2019. When compared to 2018, this is a decrease of 2%. The percentage of male subjects in 2019 was 4%
lower than the 5‐year average. The subject was female in 19% of 2019 incidents. When compared to 2018, this is an
increase of 1%. The percentage of female subjects in 2019 was 4% higher than the 5‐year average.
In 2019, the subject of a police‐related non‐deadly use of force incident was between 26‐35 years of age in 35% of incidents
and between 16‐25 years of age in 21% of incidents. These age ranges have consistently encompassed the majority of
subjects over the 5‐year period.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Asian Black Hispanic White Unknown
14 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
2019 Projected Ethnicity and Gender
LVMPD JURISDICTION COMMUNITY PROFILE
LVMPD POLICE OFFICER DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2019, 57% of use of force incidents involved a white police
officer, which is a decrease of 11% when compared to 2018.
The number of white police officers involved in an incident in
2019 was 12% lower than the 5‐year average. Overall, white
police officers comprise of 65% of all LVMPD police officers.
Hispanic police officers were involved in 22% of 2019 use of
force incidents. This is an increase of 5% from 2018. When
compared to the 5‐year average, 2019 was 7% higher than the
average. Hispanic police officers account for 18% of all LVMPD
police officers.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Other
White
Hispanic
Black
Asian
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
12%
12%
53%
23%Asian
Black
White
Other
*Hispanic Origin – 34% *Persons of Hispanic Origin may be of any race. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Summary File, Esri forecasts for 2019
50%50%Female
Male
15 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
In 95% of 2019 police‐related non‐deadly use of force incidents, the involved officer was male. This is an increase of 1%
compared to 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, there was no change. Males encompass 90% of all LVMPD
police officers. Five percent of 2019 use of force incidents involved a female police officer. This is a decrease of 1% from
2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, there was no change. Ten percent of LVMPD police officers are female.
LVMPD POLICE PERSONNEL ETHNICITY AND GENDER
ACCOUNTABILITY
The LVMPD Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB) received 134 use of force
allegations in 2019, which is a 37% decrease when compared to
2018. In 2018 use of force allegations accounted for 11% of all
allegations received in IAB and in 2019 they accounted for 8% of
all allegations received, which is a 3% decrease. In 2019, 15
allegations were sustained, the investigation established that
misconduct occurred. Seven were related to a police officer’s use
of force and 8 were related to a corrections officer’s use of force.
The determination was made to monitor the officer’s
performance in 14 instances. Other findings in 2019 following the
investigation of a use of force allegation included: exonerated, no
policy violation, unfounded and dismissed Citizen Review Board.
During 2019, there were 13 officers that received discipline related to a use of force allegation. Six resulted in written
reprimand, while 6 resulted in minor suspension hours (between 8 and 32 hours). One resulted in termination, however
the termination was related to another allegation, not the use of force related allegation.
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
210
240
Sustained UOF Allegations Total UOF Allegations
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
*Other includes American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander and two or more races.
4%7%
18%
65%
6%
Asian
Black
Hispanic
White
Other
10%
90%
Female
Male
16 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
16 TOTAL OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS in 2019
The LVMPD values the sanctity of human life and therefore, when feasible, officers resort to deadly force only after tremendous restraint and consideration of all reasonable alternatives have been exhausted. Each deadly force incident results from a unique set of circumstances.
DEADLY USE OF FORCE
15 ARMED SUBJECTS in 2019
Deadly Force Incidents Involving Animals 100% increase compared to 2018
6
Subjects Armed with a Firearm
25% decrease from 2018 12
Fatal Officer‐Involved Shooting Incidents 67% decrease compared to 2018 4
17 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
DEADLY USE OF FORCE
The LVMPD values the sanctity of human life and therefore, when feasible, officers resort to deadly force only after
tremendous restraint and consideration of all reasonable alternatives have been exhausted. Each deadly force incident
results from a unique set of circumstances. With this in mind, the Department has conducted a thorough review and
analysis of each officer‐involved shooting (OIS) incident. The goal is to identify areas of improvement for the involved
officers and overall Department policy, practices and training. The Deadly Use of Force section of this report identifies the
types of dispatched events which resulted in an OIS, an evaluation of temporal data related to the OISs, police officer and
subject demographics, non‐shooting deadly force incidents and the use of deadly force on animals. Please note, in some
cases, percentages may not total 100%, as they are rounded to the nearest whole percent.
OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING OVERVIEW
There were a total of 86 OIS incidents during the 5‐year
period. In 2019, there were 16 OIS incidents, which is a
decrease of 27% when compared to 2018. When compared
to the 5‐year average of 17 incidents, the number of OISs
in 2019 was 1 lower than the average. During the 5‐year
period, OISs ranged from a low of 10 in 2016 to a high of 22
in both 2017 and 2018.
In 2019, 25% of OISs had fatal outcomes. When compared
to 2018, this is a decrease of 30%. The lowest rate of fatal outcomes during the 5‐year period occurred in 2019. The
number of OISs with fatal outcomes in 2019 was 22% lower than the 5‐year average. During the 5‐year period, the highest
rate of fatal outcomes occurred in 2015 when 69% of OISs resulted in fatal outcomes.
Seventy‐five percent of 2019 incidents had non‐fatal outcomes. When compared to 2018, this is an increase of 30%. Non‐
fatal outcomes increased from 45% in 2018 to 75% in 2019. The number of OISs with non‐fatal outcomes in 2019 was 22%
higher than the 5‐year average. The highest rate of non‐fatal outcomes during the 5‐year period occurred in 2019.
In 2019, there were a total of 1,588,167 calls, which includes both citizen initiated calls and the following officer initiated
calls: Vehicle Stops, Pedestrian Stops and Bar/Perimeter Checks. OISs occurred in 0.001% of the select calls for service.
02468
10121416182022
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Non‐Fatal OIS Fatal OIS
18 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING AGENCY COMPARISON
LVMPD officer‐involved shooting incidents were
compared to similar agencies for the last 5 years. In
2019, LVMPD had 16 OIS incidents which was the
fourth highest for all of the agencies compared in this
report. A number of agencies show a decrease in OISs
from 2018 to 2019, with the exception of Denver Police
Department and Houston Police Department.
TYPES OF DISPATCHED EVENTS
The call types assigned to events identify the types of situations
police officers may encounter when responding to CFS. These
call types can be categorized into two types: citizen initiated CFS
and officer initiated/proactive CFS. Citizen initiated CFS can be further separated into street level violent calls and non‐
violent calls. The number of OISs that began as citizen initiated CFS decreased 40% over the 5‐year period, while the
number of OISs that began as officer initiated/proactive calls increased 600%.
02468
10121416182022
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Citizen Initiated CFS Officer Initiated CFS
0
500,000
1,000,000
1,500,000
2,000,000
2,500,000
3,000,000
3,500,000
4,000,000
4,500,000
0
10
20
30
40
50
LVMPD Los AngelesPolice
Department
DenverPolice
Department
PhoenixPolice
Department
Miami‐DadePolice
Department
PhiladelphiaPolice
Department
HoustonPolice
Department
Population
Number of OIS
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Population
19 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
In 2019, 56% of OISs began as citizen initiated CFS. When compared to 2018, this is a decrease of 16%. The rate of OISs
which began as citizen initiated CFS in 2019 was 24% lower than the 5‐year average. In 2019, 25% of OISs were related to
a violent citizen initiated CFS. When compared to 2018, this is a decrease of 20%. The rate of OISs related to a violent
citizen initiated CFS in 2019 was 24% lower than the 5‐year average. In 2019, Robbery calls encompassed 50% of the
violent citizen initiated CFS which resulted in an OIS. In 2018, the most prevalent violent calls were Assault/Battery with a
Gun and Assault/Battery with Other Deadly Weapon. During the 5‐year period, Assault/Battery with a Gun (26%), followed
by Robbery (19%) resulted in the most OIS incidents stemming from a violent citizen initiated CFS.
LOCATION OF OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENT
LVMPD’s jurisdiction is divided into area commands and
resident areas. Since 2015, EAC encompassed the highest
percentages of OISs with 17%. In 2019, the largest
percentages of OISs occurred in NWAC, SCAC and SEAC with
19% each. The number of OISs that occurred in each NWAC
and SCAC increased from 1 in 2018 to 3 in 2019, the largest overall increases. DTAC had the largest decrease in OIS
incidents from 2018 to 2019, with a decrease of 4 OISs. When compared to the 5‐year average, SEAC was 12% higher than
the average, while NEAC was 14% lower. The number of OISs that occurred in each BAC and NEAC decreased from 3 in
2018 to zero in 2019. BAC and NEAC were the only area commands without any OISs in 2019.
During the 5‐year period, only 2% of OISs occurred in CCAC, the home of the “Las Vegas Strip.” During the 5‐year period,
CCAC had a total of 2 OIS incidents, which occurred in 2016 and 2019. There was 1 OIS incident at the Airport in 2019,
which was the only incident there during the 5‐year period.
During the 5‐year period, there was 1 OIS in 2017 and 1 OIS in 2019 within LVMPD’s resident areas. In both 2017 and 2019,
an OIS occurred outside of LVMPD’s jurisdiction. In the 2017 incident, officers were in a vehicle pursuit with an armed
violent subject and drove into the city of North Las Vegas, where the OIS occurred. In the 2019 incident, officers were
searching for an armed robbery suspect and located him in the city of Henderson, where the OIS occurred.
6%6%
6%
6%
19%
19%
19%
6%
6%6%
Airport
ConventionCenterDowntown
Enterprise
Northwest
South Central
Southeast
Spring Valley
Resident Area
Other Jurisdiction
*Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
2019 OISs
20 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
MONTH OF OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENT
In 2019, March had the highest number of OIS incidents and
comprised 25% of all 2019 OISs. The next highest months,
January and August, each had 3 OIS incidents. August had the
highest number of occurrences (19%) during the 5‐year period,
followed by January and July with 10% each. In 2018, August was
the highest month for OISs, with 36% of incidents. In 2019,
August comprised 19% of OISs.
In 2019, the majority of incidents occurred during the first
quarter, January through March, encompassing 44% of OISs.
Fourth quarter had the fewest incidents with 2 OISs during the
months of October through December. The greatest number of
OISs occurred during the third quarter for the 5‐year period,
encompassing 34% of all OISs. In 2018, the third quarter also
comprised the majority of OISs with 45% of incidents.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
21 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
DAY OF OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENT
In 2019, Wednesday and Friday encompassed the highest
percentages of OIS incidents with 25% each. Sunday, Monday
and Saturday had the fewest number of OISs, with 1 OIS
incident occurring each of those days. For the 5‐year period,
Friday had the most OIS incidents, followed by Saturday,
Thursday and Monday. When compared to the 5‐year
average, the number of OISs on a Wednesday in 2019 was
13% higher than the average (12%). In 2018, 5% of OISs occurred on a Wednesday. The number of OISs on a Saturday in
2019 was 12% lower than the 5‐year average (19%). Only 6% of OISs were on a Saturday in 2019, compared to 23% in
2018.
TIME OF OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENT
The most common times of day for an OIS to occur in 2019
was between 20:00‐23:59, with 56% of incidents, followed by
04:00‐07:59, 08:00‐11:59 and 12:00‐15:59, with 13% of
incidents each. In 2018 and 2019, there were no OIS incidents
between the hours of 16:00‐19:59. In 2018, the most
common times of day for an OIS were between the hours of
04:00‐07:59 and 12:00‐15:59, with 27% of incidents each. During the 5‐year period, 28% of incidents occurred between
20:00‐23:59 and 20% occurred between 12:00‐15:59. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 20:00‐23:59 were among
the most common days of the week and times of day for an OIS to occur during the 5‐year period.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
6%
13%
13%
13%56%
00:00‐03:59
04:00‐07:59
08:00‐11:59
12:00‐15:59
16:00‐19:59
20:00‐23:59
*Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
2019 OISs
22 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
TIME INTERVALS BETWEEN OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS
In 2019, the majority of OIS incidents occurred within 0‐15 days
of one another (56%), followed by greater than 45 days
between incidents (19%). Intervals of 16‐30 days and 31‐45
days each accounted for 13% in 2019. For the 5‐year period,
53% of incidents occurred within 0‐15 days, while 21% occurred
within 16‐30 days of one another. The longest amount of time
between OIS incidents in 2019 was 86 days, while the shortest
was 1 day. In comparison, the Department’s longest interval of
time in the 5‐year period in which no OIS occurred was in 2016,
159 days, and the shortest interval was in 2015, a 7‐hour period.
TIME ON SCENE PRIOR TO INITIAL SHOTS FIRED
Efforts to de‐escalate the situation and slow the
momentum attribute to longer times on scene prior to an
OIS. In 2019, 63% of OISs occurred after officers had been
on scene longer than 6 minutes. This is a decrease of 10%
compared to the percentage of incidents in 2018 where the
officer had been on scene longer than 6 minutes (73%). The
rate of OISs which occurred after an officer had been on scene longer than 6 minutes in 2019 was 15% lower than the 5‐
year average. In 2019, 20% of incidents which spanned longer than 6 minutes had fatal outcomes, while 33% of incidents
which spanned less than 6 minutes had fatal outcomes. The average fatality rate for the 5‐year period where officers were
on scene longer than 6 minutes was 51% and the average where officers were on scene less than 6 minutes was 32%.
56%
13%
13%
19%
0‐15 days
16‐30 days
31‐45 days
>45 days
*Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
2019 OISs
0%0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
% FatalLess than 6 min on Scene
% FatalMore than 6 min on Scene
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
23 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
ON‐SCENE SUPERVISION
The prospect of a favorable outcome is often enhanced when supervisors become involved in the management of an
overall response to potentially violent encounters by coordinating resources and officers’ tactical actions. LVMPD policy
states, as a good practice, supervisors will acknowledge and respond to incidents in a timely manner where law
enforcement use of force is probable.
Police supervisors were on scene in 42% of the OISs during the 5‐year period. In 2019, one or more supervisors were on
scene in 50% of the OISs. This is the same percentage of OIS incidents with a supervisor on scene compared to 2018. When
compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of a supervisor being on scene at the time of the OIS in 2019 was 8% higher than
the average. In several instances, the OIS incident occurred within minutes of the officer’s arrival. This short time frame
may have prevented the notification or arrival of a supervisor from being on scene prior to shots fired. In several other
instances, the call type the officer was dispatched did not require the presence of a supervisor.
INVOLVED OFFICER DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2019, there were 16 OISs which involved 24 shooting officers. Eighty‐three percent of OISs involved a white police
officer, which is an increase of 15% when compared to the percentage of involved white officers in 2018. When compared
to the 5‐year average, the rate of the involved officer being white in 2019 was 9% higher than the average (74%). Overall,
white police officers comprise 65% of all LVMPD police officers.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Asian Black Hispanic White Other
24 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
Hispanic police officers were involved in 8% of 2019 OISs. This is a decrease of 5% when compared to the percentage of
involved Hispanic officers in 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of the involved officer being Hispanic
in 2019 was 2% lower than the average (10%). Hispanic police officers account for 18% of all LVMPD police officers.
In 2019, Asian police officers were involved in 8% of OIS incidents. This is an increase of 5% when compared to the
percentage of involved Asian officers in 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of the involved officer being
Asian in 2019 was 3% higher than the average (5%). Asian police officers account for 4% of all LVMPD police officers.
There were no black police officers involved in an OIS in 2019. This is a decrease of 11% when compared to the percentage
of involved black officers in 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of the involved officer being black in
2019 was 8% lower than the average (8%). Black police officers account for 7% of all LVMPD police officers.
All the involved officers in a 2019 OIS were male. This is an increase of 5% compared to the percentage of involved male
officers in 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of the involved officer being male in 2019 was 1% higher
than the average (99%). Males encompass 90% of all LVMPD police officers.
There were no female police officers involved in an OIS in 2019. This is a decrease of 5% when compared to the percentage
of involved female officers in 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of the involved officer being female
in 2019 was 1% lower than the average (1%). Ten percent of LVMPD police officers are female.
The average age of officers involved in an OIS in 2019 was 36 years, which is 1 year lower than the average age in 2018
(37 years). The ages of the involved officers were divided into age groupings. In 2019, 42% of officers were in their thirties,
followed by 29% in their forties, 25% in their twenties and 4% in their fifties. When compared to 2018, the percentage of
involved officers being in their thirties increased 8%, while the percentage of involved officers in their fifties decreased
7%.
LVMPD POLICE PERSONNEL ETHNICITY AND GENDER
4%
7%
18%
65%
6%
Asian
Black
Hispanic
White
Other
10%
90%
Female
Male
*Other includes American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander and two or more races.
25 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
INVOLVED OFFICER CLASSIFICATION
Commission begins upon graduation from the police
academy as a PO‐I officer with LVMPD. In 2019, 17%
of involved officers were PO‐I’s. When compared to
the percentage of PO‐I’s involved in an OIS in 2018,
this is a decrease of 7%. When compared to the 5‐
year average, the percentage of PO‐I’s involved in an
OIS in 2019 was 1% lower than the average. A PO‐I is
reclassified to a PO‐II after a year of continuous employment and satisfactory completion of probation as a PO‐I. In 2019,
67% of involved officers were classified as a PO‐II. When compared to the percentage of PO‐II’s involved in an OIS in 2018,
this is a decrease of 1%. In the 5‐year period, the majority of officers involved in OISs were classified as a PO‐II (74%) at
the time of the shooting. In 2019, 17% of involved officers were classified as a sergeant. When compared to the percentage
of sergeants involved in 2018, this is an increase of 9%. When compared to the 5‐year average, the percentage of sergeants
involved in an OIS in 2019 was 9% higher than the average.
INVOLVED OFFICER TENURE
The average tenure of officers involved in an OIS during the 5‐year period has remained consistently between 8 years
and 10 years. In 2019, the average tenure was 9 years, which is no change from the tenure of an officer involved in an
OIS in 2018. The tenure of 2019 involved officers ranged from a low of 8 months to a high of 24 years with LVMPD.
INVOLVED OFFICER AREA OF ASSIGNMENT
In 2019, 63% of involved officers were assigned to patrol. This is 19% lower
than the percentage of involved officers assigned to patrol in 2018. When
compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of the involved officer being
assigned to patrol in 2019 was 11% lower than the average.
63%
38%
Patrol
SpecializedUnit
*Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Sergeant
PO‐II
PO‐I
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
26 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
In 2019, 38% of involved officers were assigned to a specialized unit. When compared to the percentage of officers
assigned to a specialized unit in 2018, this is an increase of 19%, and is 11% higher than the 5‐year period. Officers from
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Bureau and Major Violator/Narcotics Crimes Bureau were involved in 2019 OISs.
There were no officers from the Traffic Bureau involved in an OIS in 2019; however, 3 were involved in an OIS in 2018.
PREVIOUS OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING
Approximately 20% of the officers who discharged their weapon
during the 5‐year period had a previous OIS over the course of
their career with the Department. In 2019, 13% of officers had
a previous OIS. This is a decrease of 3% compared to the
percentage of officers in 2018 who had a previous OIS. When
compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of the involved officer
having a previous OIS in 2019 was 7% lower than the average.
Over the 5‐year period, officers involved in an OIS for the first
time was the highest in 2019 (88%) and was the lowest in 2016
(65%).
FIREARMS EMPLOYED BY OFFICERS
The predominant firearm used by officers in an OIS was a
handgun. Seventy‐nine percent of involved officers used a
handgun during the 5‐year period. In 2019, 79% of involved
officers used a handgun during their OIS. This is a 2% decrease
compared to the percentage of officers who utilized a handgun
during an OIS in 2018. Department policy dictates that officers
may deploy their rifle based on distance, available cover and
the tactical situation presented. In 2019, 21% of involved
officers used a rifle. This is an increase of 10% from the percentage of officers who utilized a rifle in 2018. When compared
to the 5‐year average, an officer’s utilization of a rifle in 2019 was 5% higher than the average. In the 5 incidents, subjects
were aggravated aggressive and either aimed a firearm at officers (2 incidents), fired shots at officers (2 incidents) or
rammed a police vehicle and had a rifle in hand (1 incident). Officers did not utilize a shotgun during a 2019 incident.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Previous OIS No Previous OIS
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Handgun Rifle Shotgun
27 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
SUMMARY OF SHOTS FIRED BY OFFICERS
There were a total of 136 officers who fired shots in the 5‐year period. In 2019, 24 officers fired 118 rounds. Although this
is the lowest total number of shots fired in the 5‐year period, the average shots fired per officer remained unchanged
from 2018. The highest average number of shots occurred in 2016, with an average of 7 shots per officer. For the
remainder of the 5‐year period, the average number of shots per officer was five. In 2019, the average number of shots
fired per OIS was seven. The average number of shots fired per OIS during the 5‐year period was eight.
In 2019, the number of shots fired by individual officers ranged from 1 to 14 shots. In 2019, 83% of involved officers fired
between 1 to 9 rounds. This is a decrease of 4% from 2018 where 87% of officers fired between 1 to 9 rounds. When
compared to the 5‐year average, the number of officers who fired between 1 to 9 rounds in 2019 was 1% lower than the
average. In 2019, 17% of involved officers fired 10 or more rounds. This is an increase of 4% from 2018 where 13% of
officers fired 10 or more rounds. When compared to the 5‐year average, the number of officers who fired 10 or more
rounds in 2019 was 1% higher than the average. Thirty‐one shots is the highest total number of shots fired during the 5‐
year period. There were two incidents during the 5‐year period in which the involved officer fired 31 shots, one incident
occurred in 2018 and the other occurred in 2015.
DISTANCE OF INITIAL SHOTS FIRED BY OFFICERS
In 2019, when an officer fired a handgun during an OIS, initial shots
were most commonly fired at distances between 0 to 25 feet
(53%), followed by distances of 26 to 50 feet (21%). Over the 5‐
year period, when a handgun was utilized during an OIS, it was most commonly fired at distances between 0 to 25 feet
(60%), followed by 26 to 50 feet (24%). The average distance of initial shots fired from a handgun in 2019 was 40 feet. The
furthest distance of initial shots fired from a handgun in 2019 was 120 feet, while the shortest distance was 3 feet.
53%
21%
5%
5%
16%0 to 25 ft.
26 to 50 ft.
51 to 75 ft.
76 to 100 ft.
> 100 ft.
Unknown
2019 OISs
28 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
In 2019, when a long gun, such as a rifle or shotgun, was utilized
during an OIS, initial shots were most likely to be at distances
between 26 to 50 feet (40%). Over the 5‐year period, when a long
gun was used during an OIS, it was most commonly fired at
distances greater than 100 feet (44%); however, a long gun was
only utilized once at these distances in 2019. The largest average distance of initial shots fired by involved officers with a
long gun occurred in 2015 (183 feet). The average distance of initial shots fired from a long gun decreased from 72 feet in
2018 to 53 feet in 2019. The furthest distance of initial shots fired from a long gun in 2019 was 114 feet.
OFFICER INVOLVEMENT
In 2019, 69% of OISs involved one officer. This is an increase of
14% compared to 2018 where 55% of OISs involved one officer.
When compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of 2019 OISs
which involved one officer was 5% higher than the average. OIS
incidents where multiple (2 or more) officers were involved
decreased from 46% in 2018 to 31% in 2019. When compared to
the 5‐year average, the rate of OISs which involved multiple
officers in 2019 was 5% lower than the average.
Eighty‐eight percent of 2019 OISs involved 2 or fewer officers. One incident involved 3 officers and 1 incident involved 4
officers. The highest number of involved officers over the 5‐year period occurred in 2018, with 7 officers. In 2019 OIS
incidents involving multiple officers, 1 of the 5 incidents involved patrol officers, while 2 involved SWAT officers and 2
involved Major Violator/Narcotics Bureau officers. The frequency of OISs which involved multiple officers was the lowest
(19%) in 2017, compared to the highest (57%) in 2015. In 2019, the rate of OISs that involved multiple officers was 31%.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
1 officer 2 officers 3 officers 4 officers 7 officers
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
20%
40%
20%
20%0 to 25 ft.
26 to 50 ft.
51 to 75 ft.
76 to 100 ft.
> 100 ft.
2019 OISs
29 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
OFFICER INJURIES
During the 5‐year period, 11 officers sustained an injury related to an OIS incident. In 2019, there were 3 officers injured;
however, there were no officers ambushed. In 2015, there were 4 incidents where officers were ambushed. Three resulted
in injury. In 2017, there was 1 ambush incident that resulted in no injuries to officers.
LESS LETHAL FORCE DURING AN OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING
The Department's guidelines for deploying less lethal tools are based on the
subject’s level of resistance toward officers and the threat the subject poses
to the public, officers and/or themselves. In 2019, less lethal tools were
utilized by either the involved officer or a witness officer in 13% of OIS
incidents. This is a decrease of 10% when compared to 2018. When
compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of incidents in which less lethal tools were used by either the involved officer or
a witness officer in 2019 was 5% lower than the average.
During the 5‐year period, in relation to all less lethal tools utilized by either the involved officer or a witness officer, the
ECD was the most commonly used tool (60%), followed by the less lethal shotgun (27%). In 2019, an ECD was utilized in 1
OIS incident and the 40 MM was utilized in 1 incident.
FOOT PURSUITS PRECEDING AN OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING
In 2019, a foot pursuit preceded an OIS in 13% of incidents. When compared to 2018, this is a decrease of 5%. A foot
pursuit preceded 16% of OISs during the past 5 years. The smallest proportion occurred in 2016 (10%) and the largest
proportion in 2015 (19%). There were 3 OISs with fatal outcomes in 2015 where a foot pursuit preceded the OIS, the most
in the 5‐year period. There were no fatal outcomes where a foot pursuit preceded an OIS for the remainder of the 5‐year
period.
30 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INVOLVED SUBJECT DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2019, 59% of subjects involved in an OIS were white, which is an increase of 29% compared to the percentage of involved
white subjects in 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, in 2019, white subjects were 19% higher than the average.
In 2019, the subject of an OIS was black in 24% of instances. When compared to the percentage of involved black subjects
in 2018, this is a decrease of 2%. The percentage of involved black subjects in 2019 was 8% lower than the 5‐year average.
Asian subjects were involved in 12% of 2019 OIS incidents. There were not any Asian subjects involved in 2018 OISs. The
percentage of involved Asian subjects in 2019 was 8% higher than the 5‐year average. In 2019, Hispanic subjects were
involved in 6% of OIS incidents. This is a decrease of 29% compared to the percentage of involved Hispanics in 2018. When
compared to the 5‐year average, the percentage of involved Hispanics in 2019 was 16% lower than the average.
The subjects involved in an OIS were predominantly male. Males accounted for 100% of the subjects involved in OISs in
2019. When compared to the percentage of involved male subjects in 2018, this is an increase of 4%. The rate of male
subjects involved in an OIS in 2019 was 5% higher than the 5‐year average. There were not any female subjects involved
in 2019 OIS incidents, which was a decrease of 4% compared to the percentage of involved females in 2018. When
compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of the OIS subject being female in 2019 was 5% lower than the average.
In 2019, the subjects involved in an OIS were between the ages of 36 to 45 years 29% of the time, followed by subjects
between 16 to 25 years and 26 to 35 years, with 24% of incidents each. When compared to 2018, subjects between 26 to
35 years decreased 11%, while subjects between 46 to 55 years increased 18%. When compared to the 5‐year average,
the percentage of subjects between 66 to 75 years of age in 2019 was 5% higher than the average, while the rate of
subjects between 26 to 35 years of age was 6% lower than the average.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Asian Black Hispanic White Other
31 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
2019 Projected Ethnicity and Gender
LVMPD JURISDICTION COMMUNITY PROFILE
OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INVOLVED SUBJECT DEMOGRAPHICS ‐ FATAL OUTCOMES
In 2019, OISs where the subject’s outcome was fatal, all subjects were white. When compared to 2018, the percentage of
white subjects with a fatal outcome increased 83%, while the percentage of black subjects with a fatal outcome decreased
50%. In 2018, the majority of subjects with fatal outcomes were black, encompassing 50% of 2018 fatal OIS subjects. The
percentage of Hispanic subjects involved in an OIS with a fatal outcome in 2019 decreased by 25%. In 2019, black subjects
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Asian Black Hispanic White Other
12%
12%
53%
23%Asian
Black
White
Other
50%50%Female
Male
*Hispanic Origin – 34% *Persons of Hispanic Origin may be of any race. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Summary File, Esri forecasts for 2019
32 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
were 33% lower and Hispanic subjects were 23% lower than the 5‐year average. The percentage of white subjects involved
in OISs with fatal outcomes in 2019 was 60% higher than the 5‐year average.
In 2019, OISs where the subject’s outcome was fatal, all subjects were male. When compared to 2018, there was no
change. However, when compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of a fatal OIS subject being male in 2019 was 5% higher
than the average. There were no female subjects with fatal outcomes in 2019. When compared to 2018, there was no
change. When compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of a fatal OIS subject being female in 2019 was 5% lower than
the average.
In 2019, OISs where the subject’s outcome was fatal, the subject was between the ages of 46 to 55 years 50% of the time,
followed by subjects between 36 to 45 years and 66 to 75 years, with 25% of incidents each. When compared to 2018,
subjects between 46 to 55 years of age increased 50%, while subjects between 16 to 25 years decreased 42%. In 2018,
42% of subjects with a fatal outcome were between 16 to 25 years of age. When compared to the 5‐year average, the rate
of a fatal OIS subject being between 46 to 55 years of age in 2019 was 33% higher than the average and subjects between
26 to 35 years of age was 25% lower than the average.
OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INVOLVED SUBJECT DEMOGRAPHICS ‐ NON‐FATAL OUTCOMES
In 2019, OISs where the subject’s outcome was non‐fatal, the subject was white 46% of the time, black 31% of the time,
and Asian 15% of the time. When compared to 2018, the percentage of black subjects increased 31%, and Asian subjects
increased 15%. In 2018 OISs, Hispanic subjects and white subjects comprised the majority of subjects with non‐fatal
outcomes, with 45% each. When compared to the 5‐year average, in 2019, the rate of Asian subjects and white subjects
with non‐fatal outcomes were both 9% higher than the average. The rate of Hispanic subjects with non‐fatal outcomes in
2019 was 13% lower than the 5‐year average.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Asian Black Hispanic White Other
33 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
In 2019, OISs where the subject’s outcome was non‐fatal, all of the subjects were male. When compared to 2018, this is
an increase of 9%. This is an increase of 4% when compared to the 5‐year average. In 2019, there were not any female
subjects with non‐fatal outcomes. When compared to 2018, this is a decrease of 9%. When compared to the 5‐year
average, the rate of the non‐fatal OIS subject being female was 4% lower than the average.
In 2019, subjects between 16 to 25 years, 26 to 35 years and 36 to 45 years encompassed the highest percentages of
subjects with non‐fatal outcomes, with 31% each. When compared to 2018, subjects with non‐fatal outcomes between
16 to 25 years of age increased 31%, while subjects between 36 to 45 years decreased 14%. Subjects with non‐fatal
outcomes between the ages of 26 to 35 years had the largest decrease from 2018 to 2019, with a decrease of 24%. When
compared to the 5‐year average, the percentage of subjects between 16 to 25 years of age with non‐fatal outcomes in
2019 was 8% higher than the average, while subjects between 46 to 55 years of age was 5% lower than the average.
SUBJECT WEAPON
Subjects were armed in 97% of the OISs in the 5‐year period.
There was 1 OIS in 2015 and 2 OISs in 2019 where the
subjects were unarmed. Between 2016 and 2018, all subjects
were armed. Over the 5‐year period, subjects were armed
with a firearm in 76% of the OIS incidents. During the 5‐year
period, firearm usage ranged from a low of 68% in 2018 to a
high of 90% in 2016. The rate of subjects who armed
themselves with a handgun increased from 64% in 2018 to
71% in 2019. Armed subjects used long guns in 6% of the
OISs in 2019.
In 2019, the subject was unarmed in 2 OIS incidents. The first incident involved an unarmed subject who was a fleeing
felon and was convicted of multiple violent felonies. The subject was a Clark County Detention Center (CCDC) inmate, who
escaped from the custody of an officer, stole an uninvolved citizen’s vehicle and fled the area. The second incident involved
an unarmed subject who used force against multiple officers. One officer sustained a substantial bodily injury and was
knocked unconscious. A second officer was struck in the face and knocked to the ground just prior to the use of deadly
force.
In 2019, subjects were armed with a vehicle in 12% of OIS incidents, which is the highest rate in the 5‐year period. There
were not any subjects armed with a vehicle in an OIS incident in 2018. On average, over the 5‐year period, subjects were
armed with a vehicle in 3% of incidents.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Blunt Object Knife/Sharp ObjectFirearm VehicleUnarmed
34 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
In 2015 and 2016, there were no OISs where the subject was armed with a blunt object; however, there were 2 such
incidents in 2017 and 1 each in 2018 and 2019. On average, over the 5‐year period, subjects were armed with a blunt
object in 5% of OIS incidents.
In 2019, there were no OISs where the subject was armed with a knife or sharp object. In 2018, the subject was armed
with a knife or sharp object in 27% of OIS incidents, which is the highest rate in the 5‐year period. On average, over the 5‐
year period, subjects were armed with a knife or sharp object in 13% of incidents. Officers are utilizing less lethal force
options more often as a de‐escalation tactic to subdue a subject, rather than resorting to deadly force options.
For the 5‐year average of incidents where the subjects were armed, 54% had non‐fatal outcomes and 46% had fatal
outcomes. In 2019, 73% of armed subjects had non‐fatal outcomes and 27% of armed subjects had fatal outcomes. In
2019, the rate where the subject was armed with a firearm and the OIS incident had a fatal outcome was 33%. This was a
decrease of 14% from 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, the rate where the subject was armed with a firearm
and the OIS had a fatal outcome in 2019 was 11% lower than the average. In 2019, all incidents with fatal outcomes
involved subjects armed with a firearm.
MENTAL STATE OF SUBJECT
Determinations regarding mental state are largely based on the
initial information gathered through the 9‐1‐1 call taker and the
observations of on‐scene officers. Information may include
documented previous contact with the subject articulating
perceived mental illness as well as previous actions taken. A certain
amount of subjectivity is required in order to classify the mental
state of OIS subjects at the time of the deadly force encounter with
police.
During the 5‐year period, 34% of the involved subjects exhibited signs of a perceived mental illness, made suicidal
statements or actively sought police as a means to end their life. The proportion of subjects who expressed suicidal
intentions during the 5‐year period (22%) decreased from a high of 31% in 2015 to a low of 10% in 2016. However, that
proportion increased from 10% in 2016 to 23% in both 2017 and 2018. The proportion of subjects who expressed suicidal
intentions during 2019 was 18%.
53%
18%
18%
12%No PerceivedMental Illness
PerceivedMental Illness
Suicidal
Unknown
2019 OISs
*Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
35 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT
During the 5‐year period, the majority (91%) of subjects
associated with an OIS had a previous criminal history ranging
from misdemeanor to felony arrests or prior police contact (i.e.,
traffic citations). Similar to the 5‐year average, 94% of 2019 OIS
subjects had prior contact with police. During the current 5‐year
period, 68% of those subjects with a criminal history or prior
police contact had a violent criminal history. In 2019, 18% of
subjects associated with an OIS had non‐violent criminal history
while 76% had violent criminal history.
SUMMARY OF SHOTS FIRED BY SUBJECT
Over the 5‐year period, on average, 29% of OIS incidents involved
subjects who shot at officers. In 2019, subjects shot at officers in
18% of OIS incidents. This is the lowest rate of incidents involving
subjects who shot at officers during the 5‐year period. The
largest rate of incidents involving subjects who shot at officers
during the 5‐year period occurred in 2018. In 2018, subjects shot
at officers in 36% of OIS incidents.
There were a total of 202 shots fired at officers during the current 5‐year period. When compared to the 5‐year average,
the number of shots fired at officers in 2019 was 11 shots below average. The number of shots fired at officers increased
from 35 shots in 2015 to 54 shots in 2018, then decreased to 29 shots in 2019. Twenty‐seven percent of the total shots
were fired at officers in 2018, the highest percentage during the 5‐year period.
SUBJECT INJURIES
During the 5‐year period, 45% of subjects involved in an OIS were fatally wounded, while 39% were shot and wounded.
Thirteen percent of subjects were uninjured as a result of the OIS. In 2019, 24% of subjects were fatally wounded during
an OIS incident and 71% were shot and wounded. One subject was uninjured during a 2019 OIS incident.
76%
18%
6%Violent CriminalHistory
Non‐Violent/Traffic History
No Criminal History
2019 OISs
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Percent of OISs Subject Fired Shots
36 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
NON‐SHOOTING DEADLY FORCE INCIDENT OVERVIEW
LVMPD policy categorizes certain uses of force as deadly force. Ten
deadly force incidents other than OISs occurred during the 5‐year
period. Police vehicles were used as weapons in 3 incidents, either
to strike an armed subject or to ram a fleeing vehicle. In 2019, the
ECD was used in 2 incidents, causing full neuromuscular
incapacitation. The subjects fell, striking their heads on the asphalt which resulted in a fractured skull and brain bleed. In
3 incidents, the less lethal shotgun was used on a subject who was less than 5 yards away, thus classifying it as deadly
force. In 1 incident, the involved officer used a baton on the subject who sustained a dislocated shoulder. In 2019, there
was 1 incident in which the less lethal shotgun was used within 5 yards of the subject. In this incident, the subject was
armed with a screwdriver and threatening medical and fire department personnel. In addition to the less lethal shotgun,
officers utilized the ECD in an effort to gain control of the subject, however, it was ineffective.
During the 5‐year period, 9 of the 10 non‐shooting deadly force incidents had non‐fatal outcomes. There was 1 fatal
outcome which occurred in 2017. The involved officer deployed his ECD after a foot pursuit with the subject. After deeming
the ECD to be ineffective, the involved officer proceeded to apply an unapproved choke hold on the subject in an attempt
to gain compliance.
USE OF DEADLY FORCE ON ANIMALS
From 2015 to 2019, deadly force was used on 20 animals. The
number of deadly force incidents involving an animal ranged
from a high of 9 incidents in 2015 to no incidents in 2016. In
2019, there were 6 deadly force incidents involving animals.
During the 5‐year period, 19 of the 20 involved animals were
dogs and 1 was a coyote. The involved officers used a firearm
in all but 1 of the 20 incidents. In this incident, the involved
officer used a vehicle to strike an attacking dog. In 2019, 4 of
the incidents had fatal outcomes, the animal was uninjured in
0 1 2 3
Other
Patrol Car
Less LethalShotgun
ECD
Baton
Unknown
Uninjured
Wounded
FatallyWounded
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
37 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
one and the status of the animal was unknown in another. The majority of incidents had a fatal outcome (70%) during the
5‐year period.
During the 5‐year period, 19 of the 20 incidents began as a citizen initiated CFS. The most common call type associated
with the application of deadly force on an animal was an Animal Complaint. Officers most commonly encountered the
animals attacking either a citizen or officer, or an attack was imminent, in which the animal charged at the involved officers
before the use of deadly force.
Aggressive dogs were involved in the majority of the animal‐type deadly force incidents. The most common breed involved
during the 5‐year period was Pit Bull. In 2019, the involved animals were 1 coyote and 5 Pit Bulls. The other breeds of dog
involved during the 5‐year period were Doberman and Golden Retriever. The majority of the dogs involved weighed more
than 40 pounds.
LVMPD introduced a new mandatory online training class, Police and Dog Encounters, beginning in 2014. Officers were
trained on the best tactics to ensure public and officer safety through diffusing dog encounters. Catchpoles were
purchased by the Department. Training was provided to all patrol officers and supervisors on the catchpole. Additionally,
tactical vehicles (marked vehicles armed with specialized equipment for tactical operations), have been equipped with
catchpoles.
38 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
CRITICAL INCIDENT REVIEW PROCESS
It is the policy of this Department to provide both the LVMPD and the community with a thorough review process of
incidents wherein deadly force was used by Department members. This process, the Critical Incident Review Process
(CIRP), includes the participation of citizen board members who reside within the LVMPD jurisdiction, who are not
personally affiliated with the Department, who have not had prior law enforcement experience and are not related to any
of its members.
CIRP is comprised of the Use of Force Review Board (UFRB) and the Tactical Review Board (TRB). These are two separate
but related boards whose combined purpose is to conduct a thorough review of all aspects of incidents involving the use
of deadly force by Department members. The CIRP two‐part process examines tactics utilized by the member, as well as
decision‐making, Department policy and procedure compliance, training, supervision, and the use of deadly force in these
incidents. The UFRB issues dispositions regarding the actions of commissioned officers or supervisors who actually used,
directly ordered, or directly influenced the use of deadly force during the course and scope of their duties, whether or not
such force resulted in death or serious injury. The UFRB members vote during this process and must render one of the
following dispositions:
Administrative Approval: Objectively reasonable force was used under the circumstances based on the
information available to the officer at the time. This finding acknowledges that the use of force was justified and
within Department policy. There are no concerns surrounding the tactics employed, and there are no policy
violations including those not relating to the application of force. With policy/good to excellent performance.
Tactics/Decision‐Making: This finding considers under the circumstances, objectively reasonable force was used
based on the information available to the Department member at the time. However, it acknowledges even
though the use of deadly force was within policy, the actions of the Department member worked to limit
alternatives that may have otherwise been available to the Department member. A different approach or overall
response by a Department member may have lessened the need for the Department member to employ deadly
force and potentially changed the outcome of the incident.
Policy/Training Failure: A deadly force outcome was undesirable but did not stem from a violation of policy or
failure to follow current training protocols. A Department policy and/or specific training protocol is inadequate,
ineffective, or deficient; the Department member followed existing policy and/or training, or there is no existing
policy and/or training protocol that addresses the action taken or performance demonstrated (e.g., global policy
or training deficiencies).
Administrative Disapproval: The UFRB has concluded through this finding that the force used was a violation of
Department policy. This outcome is reserved for the most serious failures in adherence to policy, decision‐making,
and performance (i.e., a violation of the use of force policy).
The TRB is a separate board dedicated to discuss all tactical/decision‐making issues by all parties involved in a deadly force
incident. The TRB can validate, overturn or modify the conclusions regarding the actions of all commissioned officers or
supervisors who participated, or influenced the application of deadly force in any capacity, during the course and scope
of their duties, whether or not such force resulted in death or serious injury.
39 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
All 16 OISs from 2019 have been presented to the board. One had
a disposition of Administrative Disapproval, 2 had a disposition of
Tactics/Decision‐Making and 12 had a disposition of
Administrative Approval. One incident from 2019 had two
different dispositions from the UFRB, Administrative Disapproval
and Tactics/Decision‐Making.
2019 USE OF FORCE REVIEW BOARDS
In 2019, there were a total of 31 Use of Force Review
Boards, which included 20 OIS cases from 2018 and 11 OIS
cases from 2019. Of those cases, 2 had an outcome of
Administrative Disapproval, 4 had an outcome of
Tactics/Decision‐Making, while the remaining 25 had an
outcome of Administrative Approval.
Discipline can sometimes result from either the UFRB or the TRB as Department members go through the CIRP process.
The following are possible types of discipline: written reprimand, transfer, suspension (hours), demotion, and termination
recommended. From the 31 OIS cases reviewed in 2019, 14 Department members received discipline at the conclusion of
their board. Of the 14 Department members, 8 received a written reprimand and 4 received a suspension hours. One
member was transferred while another resigned in lieu of receiving a suspension.
AdministrativeDisapproval
Policy/Training Failure
Tactics/Decision‐Making
AdministrativeApproval
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
29%
7%57%
7%Termination Recommended
Demotion
Suspension (Hours)
Transfer
Written Reprimand
Resignedin Lieu of
40 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
INTERNAL OVERSIGHT AND CONSTITUTIONAL POLICING RECOMMENDATIONS
The IOCP recommendations from the review of a critical incident are made to identify and address issues and concerns that would improve the individual officer and the Department as a whole. The recommendations are categorized into four overall areas where growth and development can be made: Equipment, Technology, Policy & Procedure and Training. Along with these areas, officers can be considered for recommendation for commendation or receive a supervisory intervention contact report due to any failure or violation discovered in their critical incident. The status of the recommendations are continually tracked and updated until completion. These recommendations have included changing Department policy and/or providing better training to afford officers the decision‐making skills and tools necessary to minimize use of force and OIS incidents. The following are key recommendations which have been implemented throughout the Department in 2019:
Detention Services Division (DSD) implemented training on prisoner escorts in various situations and for incidents
related to fleeing felon(s).
LVMPD policy for Supervisors Tactic for Armed Subject Response (STAR) Protocol was updated to prevent
supervisors from cancelling a STAR Protocol response prior to the arrival of the first responding unit.
DSD in conjunction with the Criminalistics Bureau incorporated training on crime scene preservation within the
Clark County Detention Center (CCDC).
DSD established a standard operating procedure (SOP) to define what actions to take when “signs of life” are not
observed while conducting prisoner observations.
Organizational Development Bureau (ODB) incorporated clear verbiage for supervisors to communicate
responsibilities that require handling on a critical incident.
K‐9 Section developed a training video for patrol officers/supervisors on integrating a K‐9 Unit into an immediate
action team (IAT).
LVMPD approved the purchase of night‐vision equipment for the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) section.
LVMPD equipped patrol tactical vehicles with catchpoles to provide patrol officers/supervisors additional
equipment when managing a vicious animal call. ODB also provided additional training for the catchpole.
LVMPD purchased the Axon Taser 7 electronic control device (ECD), replacing the Axon X26 Taser.
17 Recommendations for Commendation.
38 Recommendations for Supervisory Intervention ‐ Contact Reports to document employee counseling.
The implementation of the above recommendations and many more (see Appendix for complete listing) have illustrated
the Department’s commitment for continual improvement and transparency to strengthen the level of trust between law
enforcement and the public.
8%
25%
14%17%
37%
Equipment
Technology
Policy & Procedure
Training
Recommendation forCommendation
SupervisoryIntervention
*Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
41 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
USE OF FORCE
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
The focus of the annual report is to report statistics. However, it is important to keep in mind the amount of training police
officers receive through the course of their career. Throughout the Department’s training, the core themes emphasized
are de‐escalation and sanctity of human life.
ACADEMY
FIELD TRAINING
& EVALUTION PROGRAM
RECURRENT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
ADVANCED OFFICER SKILLS
TRAINING (9 hours annually)
EMERGENCY VEHICLE
OPERATOR’S COURSE
(8 hours bi‐annually)
UNIVERSITY OF METRO LAS VEGAS (on‐going)
CRISIS INTERVENTION
TRAINING (40 hours)
REALITY‐ BASED
TRAINING (4 hours annually)
DEFENSIVE TACTICS (3 hours quarterly)
FIELD
TRAINING (26 weeks)
BASIC
TRAINING (26 weeks)
FIREARMS TRAINING (2‐4 hours quarterly)
42 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
One goal of the LVMPD is to value our employees and those we serve. The Department focuses on fulfilling this goal by
improving performance through training and establishing clear expectations. Throughout the course of each officer’s
careers, they must complete the below listed training.
Academy
An officer begins their career in a police academy. The police academy is 26 weeks in length, broken into two phases. The
overall curriculum utilizes adult learning principles, and includes classroom lecture, practical application and scenario
based training. The learning environment stresses critical thinking, problem solving and development of good judgment
and decision‐making. Police recruits are trained in basic patrol officer duties through a carefully designed curriculum. This
curriculum includes an emphasis on de‐escalation, use of force documentation and application, firearms tactics and
training, drivers’ training, search and seizure law, just to name a few. Recruits transition from civilians to officers and learn
the basic skills necessary to successfully transfer into the Field Training and Evaluation Program where they continue their
next phase of training.
Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP)
A recruit who graduates the police academy and becomes a sworn police officer is categorized as a Police Officer I (PO‐I).
Every PO‐I continues their training into the Field Training and Evaluation Program which is 26 weeks in length, divided into
three phases that are completed at three different area commands. The PO‐I should have six different Field Training
Officers (FTOs), 2 in each phase. Included in the FTEP program is one week of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), and a one
week Adopt‐a‐Cop program at the conclusion of FTEP. The goal of FTEP is to teach and train PO‐I’s to become competent
police officers upon graduating from the program. The program’s commitment is to continue to train a new officer until
all reasonable training techniques have been exhausted.
Advanced Officer Skills Training (AOST)
AOST is an annual mandatory requirement for officers at the rank of sergeant and below. This is a 9‐hour training which
focuses on advanced skills for officers and sergeants. Officers experience five different evolutions, to include the following:
use of force refresher (classroom instruction), hands‐on defensive tactics, ECD annual recertification, and two practical
application scenarios focused on use of force recognition and response. These scenarios are based on lessons learned
from critical incidents experienced within our Department. Training focuses on communication, team tactics, de‐
escalation and use of low lethal force options.
Reality‐Based Training (RBT)
RBT is an annual mandatory requirement for officers and sergeants who function in an operational capacity. This training
is 4 hours in length and focuses on patrol tactics and team dynamics for responding to potentially critical calls. The training
objectives and curriculum are based on local and national trends identified by members of RBT personnel and the Critical
Incident Review Team (CIRT). Topics include command and control, mindset, pre‐planning and team tactics. Training
includes classroom instruction, followed by reality‐based scenarios which allow squads to apply the principles learned in
the classroom.
43 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course (EVOC)
An 8‐hour driver’s training course required annually and biennial depending upon the assignment of the officer. This
training consists of classroom instruction and practical exercises. Topics addressed throughout this course include
updates to driving policies, driving skills for regular driving, Code 3 driving while incorporating S.I.P.D.E. (Scan, Identify,
Predict, Decide, Execute), stopping and clearing intersections and hazard awareness. The practical exercises emphasize
parking, collision avoidance and the Urban Pursuit Course.
Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and CIT Recertification
By partnering with mental health professionals, CIT provides officers with the knowledge and skills to assist citizens
experiencing a mental health crisis. Training covers Department policy, CIT After Action Reports and Legal Hold
procedures. Officers experience scenario‐based training utilizing role players simulating a mental health episode. The
course is four days (40 hours) in length. All new officers are required to complete this training while in FTEP. All new
sergeants, who are not CIT certified, are required to complete the training during their probationary year. Upon
completing the initial 40‐hour certification, officers and sergeants are required to complete a 6‐hour recertification course
every 2 years. CIT Recertification provides updates on policy and procedure, as well as current trends within LVMPD and
across the country. Trends identified within the Department are incorporated in this training through tabletop exercises.
Firearms Training
Officers are required to complete quarterly firearms training every year. Each quarter, every officer must qualify with each
weapon system they are authorized to carry while on duty. The quarterly firearms training sessions are 2‐4 hours long,
depending on the training to be completed. In 2018, scenario‐based training was incorporated into two quarters of the
required annual training.
Defensive Tactics (DT)
DT training is mandatory each quarter for all commissioned members at the rank of lieutenant and below. Consistent
hands‐on training is necessary to ensure officers maintain proficiency with Department approved defensive tactics.
Training is 3 hours in length and covers various tools and techniques including OC Spray, baton, LVNR, handcuffing, self‐
defense, suspect takedowns and weapons retention. Each quarter includes practical and tabletop scenarios.
University of Metro Las Vegas (UMLV)
UMLV is an online learning system where officers are provided on‐line training throughout the year. The training varies as
determined by the needs of the Department. Consistent training includes mandatory courses on the Department’s critical
policies and must successfully pass a review. These policies include, but are not limited to, the Vehicular Pursuit policy,
Code 3 Driving Procedures, Arrest Procedures, Use of Force, Transporting Prisoners and Handling Persons with Special
Needs. Officers are also required to review policy revisions on a quarterly basis via UMLV.
Supplementary Training
Additional on‐going training is required throughout the year for every officer at every rank. Some of this training includes,
but is not limited to, supervisory schools for future sergeants and lieutenants, Multi‐Assault Counter Terrorism Action
Capabilities (MACTAC), Officer‐Involved Shooting debriefs for captains and lieutenants, Commander Circle, station/squad
level training, review quarterly training videos developed by the Organizational Development Bureau based on the needs
of the Department and review of Awareness Reports from the Internal Oversight and Constitutional Policing Bureau.
44 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
44 TOTAL VEHICLE PURSUITS in 2019
The LVMPD strives to balance the need to apprehend criminals versus the risk and liabilities a pursuit entails for the officer, subjects involved and the community at large. The primary goal of the officer and supervisor conducting a vehicle pursuit is the safety of innocent citizens, officers, and those attempting to flee.
VEHICLE PURSUITS
Traffic‐Related Pursuit Incidents 8% increase compared to 2018 7
Felony‐Related Pursuit Incidents 6% decrease compared to 2018 37
Misdemeanor‐Related Pursuit Incidents 0
45 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
VEHICLE PURSUITS
The LVMPD engages in vehicle pursuits to apprehend offenders when necessary to protect the people in our community.
Pursuits are conducted only for a violent felony or in circumstances where the subject presents a clear and immediate
danger to the public. The LVMPD strives to balance the need to apprehend criminals versus the risk and liabilities a pursuit
entails for the officer, subjects involved and the community at large. The primary goal of the officer and supervisor
conducting a vehicle pursuit is the safety of innocent citizens, officers, and whenever possible, those attempting to flee.
Please note, in some cases, percentages may not total 100%, as they are rounded to the nearest whole percent.
VEHICLE PURSUITS OVERVIEW
There were a total of 228 vehicle pursuit incidents during the
5‐year period. In 2019, there were 44 vehicle pursuits, which is
a 12% decrease from the number of pursuits in 2018. When
compared to the 5‐year average, the number of pursuits which
occurred in 2019 was 2 incidents lower than the average.
Vehicle pursuits ranged from a low of 36 in 2015 to a high of 50
in both 2017 and 2018. In 2019, one vehicle pursuit was related
to an OIS where the pursuit occurred after the shots were fired
by the officer.
INITIAL REASON FOR PURSUIT
In 2019, pursuits were initiated for felony offenses 84% of the
time. Violent felonies were predominantly noted as the initial
reason for the pursuit during 2019, which is a 3% higher than
the 5‐year average.
Violent felony pursuits were most likely to conclude by the
following methods: pursued vehicle involved in an accident,
pursued vehicle voluntarily stopped or discontinued by law
enforcement agency. Damages resulting from a violent felony
pursuit most often consisted of the subject vehicle and un‐
involved citizens vehicle (6 incidents), which is an increase
0
10
20
30
40
50
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Vehicle Pursuits
0
10
20
30
40
50
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Felony Misdemeanor Traffic
46 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
2019 Pursuits
when compared to 2018. Injuries resulting from a violent felony pursuit most often included the subject only and the
subject and an un‐involved citizen(s).
In some instances, a vehicle pursuit may be initiated for traffic or misdemeanor offenses when the officer determines the
subject vehicle presents a clear and immediate danger to the public. During 2019, officers initiated 7 pursuits related to
traffic offenses. In four incidents, the pursuing officer observed reckless driving, high rate of speed or exhibition of power.
The remaining three incidents were license plate violations, registration and failing to obey a red light. Three incidents
resulted in an arrest. Subjects were arrested for charges such as Grand Larceny, Burglary, Possession of Controlled
Substance, Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Stolen Vehicle, Driving Under the Influence,
Disobey Peace Officer, Reckless/Aggressive Driving, Duty to Stop at Accident, Resisting Public Officer and other traffic
offenses. The three incidents related to a traffic offense that resulted in arrest also involved an accident. Of the 7 pursuits
related to traffic offenses, 2 were involved in an accident and 1 was concluded using a Pursuit Intervention Technique
(PIT). The remaining 4 were discontinued by law enforcement agency once it was determined that the dangers created by
the pursuit outweighed the need for immediate apprehension. One vehicle pursuit was initiated after an officer observed
subjects driving motorcycles recklessly by performing wheelies; however, the pursuit was terminated by a sergeant.
PURSUIT INITIATION AND TERMINATION POINTS
In 2019, SEAC had the highest number of vehicle pursuits
initiated within its borders with 12 pursuits, followed by
BAC with 6 pursuits. Of the 9 area commands, SEAC
experienced an increase of 15%, the largest increase
when compared to 2018. EAC had the largest decrease in initiated pursuit events, decreasing from 16% in 2018 to 7% in
2019. When compared to the 5‐year average, the number of 2019 pursuits initiated in SEAC was 9% higher than the
average, the largest increase, while NWAC was 7% lower than the average, the largest decrease.
27%
14%
11%9%
9%
9%
7%
5%
5%
2% 2%Southeast
Bolden
South Central
Downtown
Northeast
Other Jurisdiction
Enterprise
Convention Center
Spring Valley
Northwest
Resident Area
47 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
In 2019, the highest number of vehicle pursuits concluded
outside the borders of LVMPD jurisdiction with 9 pursuits.
DTAC and Resident Area (Laughlin) had the fewest pursuits
end within its borders with 1 pursuit each. Other Jurisdictions had the greatest increase from 8% of terminations in 2018
to 20% in 2019. When compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of pursuits which ended in Other Jurisdictions in 2019
was 9% higher than the average. NWAC had the largest decrease in pursuits that concluded within its borders having
decreased from 10% in 2018 to 2% in 2019. When compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of 2019 pursuits which
concluded in NWAC was 7% lower than the average.
PURSUIT DISTANCE AND DURATION
Thirty‐two percent of 2019 vehicle pursuit incidents were
concluded in 1 mile or less, which is a 6% decrease from 2018.
When compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of 2019
pursuits which concluded 5 miles or less was 4% lower than
the average. Seventy‐seven percent of 2019 pursuits were
concluded within 5 miles or less. Of those pursuits concluded
within 5 miles or less, 29% were involved in a vehicle accident
and 26% were discontinued by either the involved officer, a
sergeant or a watch commander/area lieutenant or above.
Ten pursuit incidents spanned more than 5 miles, with 2 covering more than 10 miles. When compared to 2018, the
number of pursuit incidents which spanned more than 10 miles was 5% higher.
20%
18%
14%11%
9%
7%
7%
5%
5% 2%
2%Other Jurisdiction
Southeast
Downtown
Northeast
Convention Center
Bolden
Enterprise
South Central
Spring Valley
Northwest
Resident Area
2019 Pursuits
0
10
20
30
40
50
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
0 to 1 mile 1.1 to 2 miles 2.1 to 5 miles
5.1 to 10 miles Beyond 10 miles Unk
48 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
In 2019, 73% of pursuits lasted less than 5 minutes, which is
a 7% decrease from 2018. Thirty‐one percent of pursuits
that lasted less than 5 minutes concluded with the pursued
vehicle being involved in an accident, while 28% were
discontinued by a law enforcement agency and 19%
concluded with the subject vehicle voluntarily stopping.
When compared to the 5‐year average, the number of 2019 pursuits lasting 5 minutes or less was 3% lower than the
average. One pursuit lasted 58 minutes, covered 4 area commands and ended in North Las Vegas jurisdiction.
PURSUIT SPEED
When a subject presents a clear and immediate danger to
the public, LVMPD officers may engage in a vehicle pursuit
while exercising reasonable care for persons and property.
When considering acceptable pursuit speeds, the need for
immediate apprehension should outweigh the dangers
created by the pursuit itself.
Sixty‐eight percent of 2019 vehicle pursuits reached a maximum speed over 60 mph. This is a 4% decrease when compared
to 2018, in which 72% of pursuit incidents fell within this range. When compared to the 5‐year average, the number of
2019 vehicle pursuit incidents which reached maximum speeds over 60 mph was 3% higher than the average. In 2019,
32% of vehicle pursuits yielded maximum speeds below 60mph. This is an increase of 8% from 2018 where 24% of pursuits
fell within this range. Pursuits exceeded 100mph in 11% of 2019 pursuits, which is a decrease of 1% compared to 2018.
5%
68%
20%
2%
2%
2%
Less than 1 min
1‐5 min
6‐10 min
11‐15 min
16‐20 min
More than 30 min
*Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
2019 Pursuits
9%
23%
23%
34%
11%
20‐39 mph
40‐59 mph
60‐79 mph
80‐99 mph
100‐119 mph
2019 Pursuits
49 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
PURSUIT SHIFT
In 2019, vehicle pursuit incidents were most likely to occur
on grave shift. Grave shift accounted for 41% of 2019
incidents, which is a decrease of 7% from 2018. When
compared to the 5‐year grave shift average, the rate of
pursuits which occurred during grave shift in 2019 was 2%
higher than the average. In 2019, grave shift pursuits were
most likely to occur between 0001‐0200 hours.
In 2019, 34% of vehicle pursuits occurred during swing
shift, which is a 2% increase when compared to 2018.
When compared to the 5‐year swing shift average, the rate of pursuits which occurred during swing shift in 2019 was 2%
lower than the average. Swing shift pursuits in 2019 were most likely to occur between 2001‐0000 hours.
In 2019, 25% of vehicle pursuits occurred during day shift, which is an increase of 5% when compared to 2018. Pursuits
on day shift were most likely to occur between 0801‐1200 hours.
PURSUIT SUBJECT DEMOGRAPHICS
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Grave Day Swing
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Asian Black Hispanic White Other Unknown
50 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
In 2019, the subject involved in a vehicle pursuit was Hispanic in 48% of instances. When compared to 2018, the
percentage of Hispanic subjects increased 14%. When compared to the 5‐year average, the number of Hispanic subjects
involved in a pursuit in 2019 was 20% higher than the average. Vehicle pursuits involving black subjects comprised of 25%
of the incidents in 2019, which is an increase of 1% from 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, the rate of a black
subject being involved in a vehicle pursuit in 2019 was 7% lower than the average. White subjects were involved in 9% of
vehicle pursuits in 2019, which is a decrease of 21% from 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, the number of
white subjects involved in a vehicle pursuit in 2019 was 15% lower than the average. The subject’s ethnicity was unknown
in 16% of 2019 pursuit incidents.
The subject of a vehicle pursuit was predominantly male. Males accounted for 77% of the incidents in 2019. When
compared to 2018, this is a decrease of 13%. The percentage of male subjects in 2019 was 5% lower than the 5‐year
average. The subject was female in 9% of 2019 incidents. When compared to 2018, this is an increase of 5%. The
percentage of female subjects in 2019 was 2% higher than the 5‐year average. The subject’s gender was unknown in 14%
of 2019 pursuit incidents.
In 2019, the majority of pursuits involved subjects who were in their twenties (45%) or thirties (16%). The percentage of
involved subjects in their twenties in 2019 increased 11% when compared to 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average,
the number of involved subjects in their twenties in 2019 was 12% higher than the average. The percentage of involved
subjects in their thirties in 2019 decreased 8% when compared to 2018. The rate of the involved subjects being in their
thirties in 2019 was 6% lower than the 5‐year average. Subjects under the age of 19 encompassed 11% of pursuit incidents
in 2019, which is a decrease of 5% when compared to 2018.
USE OF THE AIR UNIT DURING A PURSUIT
The LVMPD employs several tactics and tools to ensure the
safe conclusion of a police vehicle pursuit. One tool utilized by
officers is the assistance of the Air Unit. Whenever possible,
the Air Unit is dispatched to respond to the police vehicle
pursuit, and ultimately assumes primary radio responsibilities
for the event. Upon the arrival of the Air Unit, ground units
are afforded the opportunity to cease emergency operations,
reduce speeds and discontinue visual contact of the pursued
vehicle while the Air Unit commences surveillance. These
actions, in turn, greatly reduce the potential dangers a pursuit
creates for officers and citizens, while still providing for the
safe apprehension of subjects.
In 2019, the LVMPD Air Unit responded to 17 of the 44 pursuit incidents (39%), which is a 5% decrease when compared
to 2018 when the Air Unit responded 44% of the time. In 2019, fifteen incidents were related to felony crimes and 2 were
related to traffic crimes. The Air Unit arrived prior to the conclusion of the pursuit and assisted during the pursuit in 10
incidents. On 3 occasions, the Air Unit arrived following the conclusion of the pursuit, but assisted on a subsequent foot
23%
18%
16%
43%
Responded andAssisted
Not Requested
Concluded Priorto Arrival
Unavailable
2019 Pursuits
51 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
pursuit, perimeter or accident scene. In 4 instances, the pursuit concluded prior to the Air Unit’s arrival. In 19 incidents
(43%), the Air Unit was unavailable, grounded or not yet on duty. The Air Unit was not requested in 8 incidents. Each of
those 8 incidents lasted from less than 1 minute to 10 minutes.
PURSUIT DISCONTINUED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT
A vehicle pursuit may be initiated based on a pursuing
officer’s assessment that the pursuit is the best available
option at the time and meets the requirements set forth by
Department policy. The decision to pursue is often made
under difficult, unpredictable and rapidly changing
circumstances. For these reasons, it is the philosophy of the
LVMPD to require immediate supervisory authorization for
a pursuit and on‐going supervisory control of a pursuit.
Considering the totality of circumstances, in some cases, the
best course of action may be not to pursue or to discontinue
a pursuit already in progress.
In 2019, 27% of vehicle pursuits were discontinued by law enforcement. Two were discontinued by the involved officer, 8
by the sergeant and 2 by the watch commander/area lieutenant or above. When compared to 2018, the number of
pursuits discontinued by the involved officer in 2019 decreased by 10%. When compared to 2018, the number of pursuits
discontinued by the sergeant in 2019 was 26% higher than the 5‐year average.
PURSUIT INTERVENTION TECHNIQUES
In instances where a pursuit is deemed necessary for
the arrest of an offender to protect the people in our
community, the LVMPD may, on occasion, utilize an
intervention technique to safely end the pursuit. In
2019, intervention techniques were used on 5
occasions, 1 successful use of stop sticks, 3 successful
Precision Intervention Techniques (PIT) and 1 use of both stop sticks and PIT. The incident where both stop sticks and PIT
were used, neither were successful and the pursuit concluded in an accident. In the 3 instances where the PIT was
successful, stop sticks were deployed first and unsuccessful. The number of intervention techniques utilized increased by
1 from 2018 to 2019. Overall, the number of applications has remained relatively consistent from 2015 to 2019, with the
range of use being between 4 and 5 applications per year.
Involved Officer Sergeant WC, Lieutenant orAbove
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
52 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
PURSUIT ACCIDENTS
In 2019, an accident occurred in 18 (41%) of the 44 pursuits
which is an 11% decrease when compared to 2018. In 17 of the
2019 incidents, officers were actively pursuing the subject at the
time of the accident. The Air Unit arrived and assisted with the
pursuit in 7 incidents that involved accidents. Of the 18
accidents, 14 were initiated for felony‐related offenses and 4 for
traffic‐related offenses. Pursuits for traffic‐related offences that
ended in an accident went from 2 (8%) in 2018 to 4 (22%) in 2019.
Of the 2019 vehicle pursuits involving an accident, 5 incidents originated in SEAC and 4 incidents originated in SCAC. SEAC
was the termination point in 5 pursuits involving an accident, while North Las Vegas jurisdiction was the termination point
in 4 pursuits involving an accident.
In 2019, 33% of vehicle pursuit incidents involving an accident were concluded in 1 mile or less. Seventy‐eight percent of
2019 vehicle pursuit incidents involving an accident were concluded within 5 miles or less. Three vehicle pursuit incidents
involving an accident in 2019 spanned more than 5, but less than 10 miles. One vehicle pursuit that involved an accident
spanned beyond 10 miles. In 2019, all pursuits involving an accident concluded within 10 minutes or less. In pursuits
involving an accident in 2019, the duration of a pursuit was most commonly between 1 and 2 minutes (61%).
Top speeds for vehicle pursuits that were involved in an accident in 2019 ranged from 35 mph to 109 mph, with 72%
occurring for accidents that reached a top speed of 60mph and over. It should be noted that these are reported top speeds
for the entire duration of the pursuit, not the speed in which the accident occurred.
2019 pursuits involving an accident were most likely to occur during grave shift (39%) and day shift (39%). Swing shift
accounted for 22% of accidents. Ten of the 18 accidents occurred on a Tuesday and Wednesday (56%).
78%
22%
Felony
Misdemeanor
Traffic
2019 Pursuits
53 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM A PURSUIT
In 2019, there were 18 incidents where damages resulted from
a vehicle pursuit accident, which is a decrease of 8 incidents
from 2018. When compared to the 5‐year average, the number
of 2019 incidents where damages resulted from a vehicle
pursuit accident was 1 lower than the average.
Damages were most likely to occur to the subject vehicle and un‐involved citizen vehicle, accounting for 50% of all
damages. This type of damage increased from 4 incidents in 2018 to 9 incidents in 2019. When compared to the 5‐year
average, damages to subject vehicle and un‐involved citizen vehicle in 2019 was 18% higher than the average. The pursued
subject vehicle and property accounted for 22% of all damages in 2019. When compared to 2018, this type of damage
increased 3%. In 2019, damage to the subject vehicle and property was 3% lower than the 5‐year average. Damages to an
un‐involved citizen(s) vehicle accounted for 11% of 2019 damages, which is an increase of 7% from 2018.
INJURIES RESULTING FROM A PURSUIT
In 2019, injuries resulted from a vehicle pursuit accident in 30% of all pursuits. This is a 12% increase compared to the
percentage of 2018 pursuits which resulted in injury. When compared to the 5‐year average, the percentage of pursuits
which resulted in injuries was 11% higher than the average. Pursuits where injuries occurred to the subject and officer(s)
decreased from two incidents in 2018 to no incidents in 2019. Pursuits where injuries occurred to the subject only
increased by three when comparing 2018 and 2019. Pursuits where injuries occurred to an un‐involved citizen increased
by six when comparing 2018 and 2019.
6%
22%
50%
6%
6%
11%
Subject & PatrolVehicles
Subject Vehicle &Property
Subject Vehicle &Un‐Involved Citizen
Subject VehicleOnly
Subject Vehicle, Patrol& Un‐involved Citizen
Un‐Involved CitizenVehicle Only
*Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
2019 Pursuits
54 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
ACCOUNTABILITY
The LVMPD Internal Affairs Bureau received 8 vehicle pursuit allegations in 2019. This is 5 more allegations when
compared to 2018 and 2 more when compared to the 5‐year average. In 2019, no policy violation was the finding for 1
allegation and 1 allegation was sustained, meaning the investigation established that misconduct occurred. Other findings
in 2019 following the investigation of a vehicle pursuit allegation included: exonerated (meaning the act complained of
did occur, but it was justified, legal and proper) and supervisor intervention ‐ contact report to document employee
counseling.
All pursuits are thoroughly investigated for adherence to procedures and tactics. The Pursuit Review Committee (PRC),
created in 2011, reviews vehicle pursuit reports, radio traffic and body‐worn camera footage quarterly in order to make
recommendations for policy changes or modifications in the training curriculum.
55 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
The LVMPD continues its commitment to being transparent and accountable in all aspects of use of force and vehicle
pursuits. The findings within this report have assisted the Department in identifying emerging trends and implementing
additional training and practices as they relate to deadly and non‐deadly use of force and vehicle pursuits.
The Department holds the sanctity of human life to the highest regard and therefore, critically investigates every use of
force incident, whether deadly or non‐deadly, every vehicle pursuit incident and all correlating data in order to use lessons
learned to update policy, procedures and training. The findings of these investigations hold our officers accountable for
their actions and allows them to develop as a result of their experience. The force investigation model used by LVMPD is
one of continuous, critical self‐analysis that results in adjustments to training, policy and education within the agency. The
continued critical review of these incidents and transparency will continue to be a priority for the Department.
LVMPD’s commitment to the ICARE values (Integrity, Courage, Accountability, Respect for People and Excellence) will
remain stronger than ever as we continue to evaluate and learn from each critical incident we are faced with.
56 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
APPENDIX
NON‐DEADLY USE OF FORCE CHARTS
57 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
58 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
STATISTICAL SUMMARY FOR OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTINGS
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Number of OISs 16 10 22 22 16
Fatal OISs 11 3 10 12 4
Non‐Fatal OISs 5 7 12 10 12
Largest Interval between OISs 72 159 68 51 86
Number of Directly Involved Officers 28 17 28 38 24
Average Number of Involved Officers per OIS 1.8 1.7 1.3 1.7 1.5
Average Minutes on Scene Until Shots Fired 59 28 71 112 121
Total Number of Shots Fired by Officers 130 125 146 202 118
Average Number of Shots Fired per Officer 5 7 5 5 5
Average Number of Shots Fired per OIS 8 13 7 9 7
Number of Subjects 16 10 22 23 17
Percentage of Subjects Who Used a Firearm 88% 90% 73% 68% 71%
Percentage of Subjects Who Used a Knife/Sharp Object 6% 0% 18% 27% 0%
Number of Subjects Who Shot at Officers 5 3 6 9 3
Total Number of Shots Fired by Subjects 35 42 42 54 29
59 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
2015 OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS
09 FEB
On 02/09/2015, officer(s) responded to a Robbery call at 2213 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
25FEB
On 02/25/2015, officer(s) responded to a Suicide Attempt call at 0237 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
29 APR
On 04/29/2015, officer(s) responded to a Suspicious Person call at 1059 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
10JUL
On 07/10/2015, officer(s) initiated a Vehicle Stop at 0940 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
18 JUL
On 07/18/2015, officer(s) responded to an Assault/Battery with a Gun call at 0056 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
25JUL
On 07/25/2015, officer(s) responded to an Assault/Battery with Other Deadly Weapon call at 1849 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
07 AUG
On 08/07/2015, officer(s) responded to an Other Disturbance call at 0906 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a knife/sharp object.
23AUG
On 08/23/2015, officer(s) responded to an Illegal Shooting call at 0940 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
29 AUG
On 08/29/2015, officer(s) responded to a Larceny from Person call at 0317 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
04SEP
On 09/04/2015, officer(s) responded to a Prowler call at 0358 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
15 OCT
On 10/15/2015, officer(s) responded to a Stolen Motor Vehicle call at 0953 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
24NOV
On 11/24/2015, officer(s) responded to a Suspicious Vehicle call at 0159 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
14 DEC
On 12/14/2015, officer(s) responded to a Suicide Attempt call at 1358 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
14DEC
On 12/14/2015, officer(s) responded to a Robbery call at 2053 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
17 DEC
On 12/17/2015, officer(s) responded to a Family Disturbance call at 1147 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
31DEC
On 12/31/2015, officer(s) were assisting another agency in establishing a perimeter on a wanted subject at 1422 hours. The officer(s) encountered the subject who simulated a firearm in his front pocket.
60 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
2016 OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS
22 JAN
On 01/22/2016, officer(s) responded to a Person with a Gun call at 1916 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
26JAN
On 01/26/2016, officer(s) responded to a Stolen Motor Vehicle call at 1452 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
29 FEB
On 02/29/2016, officer(s) responded to a Person with a Gun call at 2018 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
31MAR
On 03/31/2016, officer(s) responded to an Assault/Battery with a Gun call at 1219 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
11 APR
On 04/11/2016, officer(s) responded to an Assault/Battery with a Gun call at 2217 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
06MAY
On 05/06/2016, officer(s) responded to a Stolen Motor Vehicle call at 2252 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
12 OCT
On 10/12/2016, officer(s) responded to a Suspicious Vehicle call at 2347 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
14NOV
On 11/14/2016, officer(s) initiated a Vehicle Stop at 2319 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a vehicle and attempted to strike the officer.
13 DEC
On 12/13/2016, officer(s) responded to a Family Disturbance call at 1045 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
19DEC
On 12/19/2016, officer(s) responded to a Robbery call at 1434 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
61 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
2017 OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS
05 JAN
On 01/05/2017, officer(s) were conducting surveillance on a subject at 2140 hours. The officer(s) made contact with a subject who was armed with a firearm.
21JAN
On 01/21/2017, officer(s) responded to a Person with a Knife call at 0941 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a knife/sharp object.
30 MAR
On 03/30/2017, officer(s) responded to a Burglary call at 0121 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
31MAR
On 03/31/2017, officer(s) responded to an Other Disturbance call at 1308 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
06 MAY
On 05/06/2017, officer(s) responded to a Person with Other Deadly Weapon call at 2316 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a knife/sharp object.
15MAY
On 05/15/2017, officer(s) responded to a Family Disturbance call at 0120 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
31 MAY
On 05/31/207, officer(s) responded to a Stolen Motor Vehicle call at 1620 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
01JUN
On 06/01/2017, officer(s) responded to an Illegal Shooting call at 2316 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
20 JUN
On 06/20/2017, officer(s) responded to an Unknown Trouble call at 0039 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a knife/sharp object.
24JUN
On 06/24/2017, officer(s) responded to an Assault/Battery with a Gun call at 2359 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
11 JUL
On 07/11/2017, officer(s) responded to a Robbery Attempt call at 1326 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a knife/sharp object.
18JUL
On 07/18/2017, officer(s) responded to a Recovered Stolen Motor Vehicle call at 1357 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
24 JUL
On 07/24/2017, officer(s) responded to an Assault/Battery with a Gun call at 1919 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
29JUL
On 07/29/2017, officer(s) responded to a Burglary Attempt call at 0420 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a blunt object.
01 AUG
On 08/01/2017, officer(s) responded to a Suspicious Vehicle call at 1614 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
05AUG
On 08/05/2017, officer(s) responded to a Suicide Attempt call at 1131 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
62 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
25 SEP
On 09/25/2017, officer(s) responded to a Suicide Attempt call at 0411 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
28SEP
On 09/28/2017, officer(s) responded to a Suicide Attempt call at 1127 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
11 OCT
On 10/11/2017, officer(s) responded to an Illegal Shooting call at 2034 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
07NOV
On 11/07/2017, officer(s) responded to a Homicide call at 0218 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
11 NOV
On 11/11/2017, officer(s) responded to a Family Disturbance call at 1741 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
09DEC
On 12/09/2017, officer(s) responded to a Robbery Attempt call at 1050 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a blunt object.
63 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
2018 OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS
26 JAN
On 01/26/2018, officer(s) responded to an Assault/Battery with a Gun call at 0008 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
26JAN
On 01/26/2018, officer(s) responded to a Person with a Gun call at 2327 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
06 FEB
On 02/06/2018, officer(s) responded to a Suicide Attempt call at 1402 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
29MAR
On 03/29/2018, officer(s) responded to a Family Disturbance call at 1143 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a knife/sharp object.
06 APR
On 04/06/2018, officer(s) initiated a Vehicle Stop at 0444 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
12MAY
On 05/12/2018, officer(s) responded to a Person with Other Deadly Weapon call at 2213 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a blunt object.
08 JUN
On 06/08/2018, officer(s) were conducting surveillance on a subject at 1048 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
14JUN
On 06/14/2018, officer(s) responded to a Suspicious Vehicle call at 0352 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
29 JUN
On 06/29/2018, officer(s) initiated a Vehicle Stop at 0036 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who simulated a firearm in his hand before fleeing over a wall.
11JUL
On 07/11/2018, officer(s) responded to an Assault/Battery with a Gun call at 0724 hours. The officer(s) encountered two subjects who were armed with firearms.
03 AUG
On 08/03/2018, officer(s) were conducting surveillance on a subject at 2121 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
04AUG
On 08/04/2018, officer(s) responded to a Suicide Attempt call at 2248 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
06 AUG
On 08/06/2018, officer(s) responded to a Suicide Attempt call at 1240 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a knife/sharp object.
08AUG
On 08/08/2018, officer(s) responded to an Assault/Battery with Other Deadly Weapon call at 2106 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a knife/sharp object.
11 AUG
On 08/11/2018, officer(s) responded to an Assault/Battery with a Gun call at 1615 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
18AUG
On 08/18/2018, officer(s) were conducting surveillance on a subject at 2137 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
64 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
24 AUG
On 08/24/2018, officer(s) responded to an Assault/Battery with Other Deadly Weapon call at 1248 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a knife/sharp object.
25AUG
On 08/25/2018, officer(s) responded to an Assault/Battery with a Gun call at 0459 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
03 SEP
On 09/03/2018, officer(s) responded to a Robbery call at 1310 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
10OCT
On 10/10/2018, officer(s) responded to a Traffic Accident with Injury call at 0712 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
27 OCT
On 10/27/2018, officer(s) responded to a Person with a Knife call at 0017 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a knife/sharp object.
01DEC
On 12/01/2018, officer(s) initiated a Vehicle Stop at 0741 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a knife/sharp object.
65 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
2019 OFFICER‐INVOLVED SHOOTING INCIDENTS
24 JAN
On 01/24/2019, officer(s) were conducting surveillance on a subject at 1233 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
27JAN
On 01/27/2019, officer(s) responded to a Burglary call at 1207 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a blunt object.
31 JAN
On 01/31/2019, officer(s) were conducting surveillance on a subject at 0738 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
15MAR
On 03/15/2019, officer(s) responded to a Robbery call at 2149 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
16 MAR
On 03/16/2019, officer(s) responded to a Robbery call at 2137 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
19MAR
On 03/19/2019, officer(s) responded to a Family Disturbance call at 1443 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
27 MAR
On 03/27/2019, officer(s) were conducting a medical transport for an inmate at 0853 hours. The officer(s) encountered an inmate who attempted to escape police custody.
14MAY
On 05/14/2019, officer(s) responded to a Family Disturbance call at 1729 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
31 MAY
On 05/31/2019, officer(s) were conducting surveillance on a subject at 1521 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
14JUN
On 06/14/2019, officer(s) responded to a Person with a Gun call at 2140 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
17 JUL
On 07/17/2019, officer(s) responded to a Stolen Motor Vehicle and Burglary call at 2054 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
07AUG
On 08/07/2019, officer(s) initiated a Vehicle Stop at 2053 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a vehicle and rammed two patrol vehicles.
19 AUG
On 08/19/2019, officer(s) responded to an Assault/Battery with a Gun call at 0126 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was armed with a firearm.
21AUG
On 08/21/2019, officer(s) approached a potential crime in progress at 2331 hours. The officer(s) encountered two subjects who were armed with firearms.
15 NOV
On 11/15/2019, officer(s) were conducting a Perimeter Check at 2233 hours. The officer(s) made contact with the subject who was armed with a vehicle.
21NOV
On 11/21/2019, officer(s) responded to a Suspicious Person call at 0329 hours. The officer(s) encountered a subject who was combative and battered officer(s) resulting in substantial bodily harm.
66 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
2019 INTERNAL OVERSIGHT AND CONSITUTIONAL POLICING RECOMMENDATIONS
EQUIPMENT
The Organizational Development Bureau (ODB) to work with subject matter experts and the AXON
Company (manufacturers of the X26P Taser and cartridge) in an attempt to determine if it is possible
that a bar may not have been installed on the probe.
Officers assigned to K9 be issued similar gas masks and equipment for the gas masks as all Special
Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers.
Every commissioned member assigned to the Major Violator Section (MVS), specifically the Criminal
Apprehension Team (CAT)/Repeat Offenders Program (ROP), be issued a body worn camera (BWC)
and the section mandate the use of the BWC by its members.
The SWAT Bureau to purchase Infra‐Red (IR) illuminators for all operator rifles and long range IRs for
sniper rifles; night vision goggles (Binocular) for all operators, including snipers; sniper rifle mounted
night vision/thermal systems.
The Detention Services Division (DSD) to require for Medical and Field Services to communicate and
identify when an inmate needs to be sent out for medical treatment.
The DSD to review the feasibility to have medical equipment brought into Clark County Detention
Center (CCDC)/North Valley Complex (NVC) instead of transporting inmate(s) to an outside facility.
The MVS to purchase ballistic helmets.
The MVS to purchase a one‐ton truck for use when conducting the Stationary Vehicle Immobilization
Technique.
No recommendations in this category.
TECHNOLOGY
67 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
POLICY & PROCEDURE
The MVS to develop standardized operation plan (SOP) forms which reflect the LVMPD’s standards
and policies and develop a section policy regarding the use of these forms and how often they must
be updated and briefed.
The DSD to work with Events Planning to develop a DSD Overtime Incident Action Plan (IAP) for DSD
overtime. This IAP to be provided to officers working overtime and include the following: description
of their assignment, names of supervisors, phone numbers, radio channels, required equipment,
vehicle(s) being operated during the assignment, and SOPs and/or all Department policies that apply
to the assignment.
The DSD to create a designated area for patrol officers to secure their equipment while working
overtime at CCDC and NVC.
The DSD to review SOP Radio Communications and establish a policy for the use of the area
command channels for officers to utilize when working outside the facility.
The DSD to research alternate types of restraints which can be used on inmates of varying sizes.
The DSD to review current policy to ensure inmates are adequately being classified and housed.
The MVS to implement a designated training coordinator.
The MVS document all completed training in UMLV throughout the year.
The Supervisors Tactic for Armed Subject Response (STAR) Protocol policy be updated to prevent
supervisors from cancelling a STAR Protocol response prior to the arrival of the first responding unit.
The DSD review the lesson plan and PowerPoint for the Code 5 restraint chair for content and
training and ensure the material is taught consistent with CCDC’s SOP and Department policy.
The DSD to ensure the subjects being placed in the Code 5 restraint chair are handcuffed properly
so they will fit in the restraint chair cutout before being seated. If the handcuffs are stacked or
otherwise need to be adjusted, subjects are to be stood up to have the handcuffs repositioned.
The DSD have the CCDC medical personnel respond to the booking sally port and conduct a
preliminary evaluation of all Code 5 subjects prior to officers removing them from the patrol vehicle.
The DSD to place CCDC medical personnel in a safe, but practical position to observe subject’s actions
and demeanor when the restraint chair is being utilized.
The DSD be required to complete a Blue Team report when the Code 5 restraint chair is utilized.
The Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) and Firearms Training and Tactics Unit (FTTU) to develop a
standardized definition for a rifle observer.
The Multi Assault Counter Terrorism Action Capabilities (MACTAC) to create clear verbiage for roles
and responsibilities for supervisors arriving to a critical incident. Additionally, to ensure the roles are
added into applicable policies and lesson plans.
The DSD to update and/or develop an SOP to define what actions a DSD member is to take when
they do not observe “signs of life” while conducting prisoner observations.
68 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
The Communications Bureau to audio record all area command Problem Solving Unit (PSU) and
Patrol Detective (PD) radio channels.
All LVMPD Flex Team manuals and the LVMPD BWC policy to mandate officers to affix their issued
BWC to their tactical vest and to remain thereof when they are on duty and not in uniform.
The OIO conduct a review and revision of the LVMPD vehicle pursuit policy, specifically regarding
the training and use of the piranha tire deflation device and the use of stop sticks tire deflation on a
stationary vehicle.
The OIO, ODB and FTTU review LVMPD policies and lesson plans regarding how the magazines
should be loaded, more specifically either fully loaded or the officer should know how many rounds
are in the firearms and establish common verbiage.
Return to Duty Training for witness officers involved in critical incidents be implemented on a case
by case basis going forward.
LVMPD policy for barricaded subject plan should be reviewed and modified to reflect the
expectation of when to utilize the surround and callout (SACO) tactic versus addressing a situation
as a barricaded. The responsibility to coordinate this review and policy update should be tasked to
the bureau commanders of the Major Violators/Narcotics Crime Bureau and Special Weapons and
Tactics Bureau.
Critical Incident Review Team (CIRT) will meet with OIO, ODB and coordinate additional training
reference the use of the catchpole. This training will emphasize best practice when utilizing the
catchpole. OIO will also look into adding catchpoles to all tactical vehicles, making them more readily
available.
CIRT will meet with OIO, ODB and coordinate with the Search and Seizure Committee to ensure
officers make the appropriate notifications prior to conducting welfare checks or operating under
the premise of the Community Care Doctrine.
69 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
The ODB and the Special Operations Bureau (SOB), specifically SWAT, work together to determine
what the best tactical solutions are for an LVMPD patrol officer and/or supervisor for an incident
with a downed subject who is positioned in a threshold.
The ODB and the SOB, specifically SWAT, work together to determine what the best tactical solutions
are for an LVMPD patrol officer and/or supervisor for an incident similar to this OIS.
SWAT to develop and incorporate training involving shooting from a Bearcat into their sniper
training.
The DSD to immediately stop the CCDC Overtime class for patrol officers until related
recommendations have been updated in the lesson plan. The lesson plan and PowerPoint need to
be reviewed for content and training to ensure that material taught is consistent with CCDC SOPs
and Department policies. Field Services, Booking, UMC, North Tower, South Tower and NVC should
have a specific class including a practical application of prisoner escorts and written test at the
conclusion of each course.
The DSD to implement training on prisoner escorts in various situations (walking to patrol vehicles,
through casinos, off‐site medical facilities, etc.) into Advanced Officer Skills Training (AOST)/Reality
Based Training (RBT) training and one of the quarterly Defensive Tactics (DT) sessions.
The DSD to develop and provide training specific to fleeing felons and incorporate the training into
AOST and/or quarterly DT.
The AOST/RBT to implement prisoner escorts in various situations (walking to patrol vehicles,
through casinos, off‐site medical facilities, etc.).
The AOST/RBT to develop and provide training specific to fleeing felon(s).
The DSD to ensure lesson plan for prisoner transport is reviewed and updated so this can be used
and taught Department‐wide.
The ODB to develop a training scenario utilizing an officer’s ability to work through an incident or
problem when resources, such as a shield, are not readily available.
The DSD Training Section to work in conjunction with the Criminalistics Bureau to develop a training
video on crime scene preservation procedures, which will be mandated for all DSD personnel to
review.
The K‐9 to develop a training video for patrol reference the contingency plans use and patrols
integration with K‐9 during the plan.
All Classification Officers have access and training to use Gang Net to aide in their ability to identify
gang members and Security Threat Groups (STG) before they leave the booking floor of CCDC.
Internal Oversight and Constitutional Policing Bureau coordinate with ODB to ensure the use of the
radio emergency button is covered during future AOST and RBT training.
TRAINING
70 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
OFFICER‐SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS
An officer to receive Return to Duty Training to review tactical considerations for similar events
prior to being assigned back to patrol duties.
17 Recommendations for Commendation
38 Recommendations for Supervisory Intervention ‐ Contact Reports to document employee
counseling
2019 RECOMMENDATIONS STATUS
Forty‐four of the 2019 Critical Incident Review Process recommendations have been implemented.
It was determined the Procedure recommendation requiring DSD to complete a Blue Team report
when the Code 5 restraint chair is utilized will not be implemented.
It was determined the Equipment recommendation for the MVS to purchase a one‐ton truck for use
when conducting the Stationary Vehicle Immobilization Technique will not be implemented.
During 2019 there were 4 critical incidents categorized by LVMPD as Police Related In‐Custody Deaths.
During these incidents, the officer’s actions may not have amounted to a reportable use of force as per
LVMPD policy; however, their actions were subsequently determined by the coroner to have contributed to
the subject’s cause of death.
The lessons learned from these critical incidents were presented to LVMPD leadership, subject matter experts
and community members from the Sheriff’s Multi‐Cultural Advisory Council (MMAC). The guidance and
subsequent recommendations developed were implemented through LVMPD policy and training to include:
An Ethics, Values and Professionalism course has been updated and will be required for all
commissioned officers to complete. The updated course introduces and reinforces the concept of
ethics, values and professionalism in law enforcement, both on and off‐duty, emphasizes officers
hold the highest regard for the dignity and liberty of all persons and emphasizes officers respect the
value of every human life.
Captain/Lieutenant’s PowerPoints on a critical incident were provided to supervisors and officers to
review in a patrol briefing environment. The PowerPoints summarized the incident and discussed
the lessons learn through CIRT’s preliminary investigation.
ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS TO DEPARTMENT POLICY AND TRAINING
71 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
An Awareness Report was created and presented to officers in September 2019, which advised on
recent in‐custody deaths that have occurred shortly after the subjects were taken into custody.
Officers were reminded to ensure they remain dedicated to preserving the sanctity of life while
maintaining a high level of officer safety.
Multiple IOCP recommendations were created and completed by DSD in regards to tactics and
training when using a Code 5 chair for a subject at CCDC.
LVMPD Body Worn Camera (BWC) policy is being updated. Portions of the policy being adjusted
include requirements for activation and deactivation of an officer’s BWC.
72 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
AWARENESS REPORTS
As an agency that places the highest value in human life, Awareness Reports are generated by the Office of Internal
Oversight (OIO) and report on the lessons learned from a critical incident and/or identify emerging trends. They support
IOCP’s goals which are based upon seven fundamentals of Policy, Training, Tactics, Leadership, Investigations,
Accountability and Community Inclusion. Awareness Reports are disseminated Department wide and provide
opportunities to maximize officer safety and performance in the areas of communication, tactics/decision making, de‐
escalation, use of force, medical intervention and incident management. These reports allow officers to review the
document and for supervisors to lead discussions to support IOCP’s commitment to significantly reduce deadly force
incidents.
73 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
2015‐2019 OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING LOCATIONS
2 0 15 OI S Loc a t i on 2 0 16 OI S Loc a t i on 2 0 17 OI S Loc a t i on 2 0 18 OI S Loc a t i on 2 0 19 OI S Loc a t i on
1 4855 S Boulder Hwy 1 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd 1 1200 N Jones Blvd 1 11636 Elcadore St 1 471 Macbrey Dr2 5370 E Craig Rd 2 3624 Asbury Hill Ave 2 1 Main St 2 1826 S Las Vegas Blvd 2 3520 W Maule Ave3 6312 Bluejay Way 3 134 La Padania Ave 3 9810 River Trader St 3 3305 Lingo St 3 515 Poplar Leaf St4 Lindell Rd & W Sahara Ave 4 9848 Fast Elk St 4 4801 West moreland Dr 4 2000 Paradise Rd 4 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd5 1401 S Las Vegas Blvd 5 2000 S Paradise Rd 5 5201 Shreve Ave 5 258 Madge Ln 5 Fount ainHeight sLn&RobindaleRd6 3040 E Charlest on Blvd 6 1150 N Buf f alo Dr 6 9552 W Tropicana Ave 6 3387 Big Sur Dr 6 532 N 9t h St7 6990 Berkshire Pl 7 HualapaiWay&DeerSpringsWay 7 3718 W Vegas Dr 7 3790 Blue Diamond Rd 7 2950 S Maryland Pkwy8 416 Lakehurst Rd 8 3940 La Cruz Court 8 1702 Eddingham Ct 8 Owens Ave & Radwick Dr 8 3141 Bel Air Dr9 Losee Rd & Sharp Cir 9 7726 Coral Cact us Ct 9 1111 S Cimarron Rd 9 4182 E St Louis Ave 9 1200 N Town Cent er Dr10 6729 Oveja Cir 10 5445 W Flamingo Rd 10 1928 Bookbinder Dr 10 1776 E Ogden Ave 10 2300 Blk S Hualapai Way11 3400 S Jones Blvd 11 4233 N Rancho Dr 11 210 Balt imore Ave 11 3920 Raymert Dr12 3823 S Maryland Pkwy 12 6700 N Durango Dr 12 1512 Saylor Way 12 3670 Paradise Rd13 4564 Aviat ion St 13 4609 Goldf ield St 13 2200 W Bonanza Rd 13 1900 S Casino Dr14 3869 King Palm 14 1860 West ern Ave 14 5350 E Tropicana Ave 14 3809 Sunking St15 9145 S Las Vegas Blvd 15 4185 W Tompkins 15 4000 Blue Diamond Rd 15 2981 El Cajon St 16 8335 Gilded Crown Ct 16 2075 E Warm Springs Rd 16 8530 W Sahara 16 5757 Wayne Newt on Blvd
17 1800 W Charlest on Blvd 17 7000 W Spring Mount ain Rd18 240 N Jones Blvd 18 900 Doolit t le Ave19 39 Moonlight Dr 19 1150 S Rainbow Blvd20 7403 Newcrest Circle 20 S Rainbow Blvd & Gary Ave21 780 E Pyle Ave 21 5436 Tinker Toy Ave22 1591 N Decat ur Blvd 22 18t h St & Sunr ise Ave
74 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
2019 VEHICLE PURSUIT ORIGINATING LOCATIONS
Numbe r Or i gi na t i ng Loc a t i on Numbe r Or i gi na t i ng Loc a t i on Numbe r Or i gi na t i ng Loc a t i on
1 Boulder Hwy & N US 95 16 3321 W Cheyenne Ave 31 S Decat ur Blvd & W Sahara Ave
2 1579 Bet t y Ln 17 2672 N Las Vegas Blvd 32 Civic Cent er Dr & E Lake Mead Blvd
3 4000 St Rose Pkwy 18 E Cheyenne Ave & N Nellis Blvd 33 Belmont St & E Lake Mead Blvd
4 N 8t h St & E Ogden Ave 19 Blankenship Ave & Revere St 34 Boulder Hwy & Indios Ave
5 4350 N Las Vegas Blvd 20 Ferndale St & Parkdale Ave 35 S Decat ur Blvd & W Tropicana Ave
6 3570 Vist a Del Mont e Dr 21 Maryland Pkwy & E Sahara Ave 36 2810 Tahoe Ct
7 S Maryland Pkwy & Sunrise Hospit al Dr 22 3620 Lincoln Rd 37 4125 W Desert Inn Rd
8 Boulder Hwy & E Russell Rd 23 3670 Paradise Rd 38 El Mirage Way & Needles Hwy
9 E Owens Ave & N Mojave Rd 24 Paradise Rd & E Tropicana Ave 39 303 E Harmon Ave
10 W Char lest on Blvd & S Decat ur Blvd 25 4925 Boulder Hwy 40 5556 E Tropicana Ave
11 2950 S Maryland Pkwy 26 2980 E Tropicana Ave 41 Mart in L King Blvd & W Washingt on Ave
12 3375 E Russell Rd 27 4700 S Decat ur Blvd 42 4411 Newsom Cir
13 2208 Cart er Cir 28 3131 S Las Vegas Blvd 43 900 Doolit t le St
14 S Hualapai Way & W Sunset Rd 29 700 N 18t h St 44 3550 S Cambridge St
15 1701 S Las Vegas Blvd 30 520 W Frederick Ave
75 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
10‐YEAR OVERVIEW
76 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
77 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
USE OF FORCE MODEL