Recently, the city of Las Vegas added a Tourism Liaison Officer (TLO) to the Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) Team stationed on Fremont Street downtown. The TLO works closely with Fremont Street Experience security leadership to enhance the tourist experience, maintain structure for buskers and ensure compliance with local ordinances. Members of the POP Team focus on underlying causes of crime, enforce city ordinances, patrol on foot, handle investigations and identify the root causes of issues along the Fremont Street Corridor and the Arts District. Their additional intent is to build rapport with business owners and community stakeholders within the area and ensure problems and any disturbances are taken care of swiftly.
The city's Department of Public Safety (DPS) and its partners, including the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and the Fremont Street Experience (FSE) security staff, continue to improve safety and the tourist experience with coordinated efforts.
Some of the highlights of the progress made at the FSE include:
- In 2023, the city opened the FSE substation, a joint DPS and LVMPD space that increased officer presence in the area.
- DPS was able to obtain a trained canine to assist with patrols at the FSE.
- DPS enhanced staffing and improved community relations through the creation of a POP Team.
- Improved collaboration with LVMPD and FSE through joint briefings, periodic meetings and enhanced communications.
Moving ahead, the city plans to expand the POP Team to increase officer presence.