Vegas Beat Magazine - November/December 2024

Hello, members. It is with extreme pride and gratitude that I write this article. In October, I was up for re-election for the position as your president. This process is open to anyone serving on the Board of Directors for a minimum of two years. I am happy to report that I was the only person to put in for the position of LVPPA president. I want you all to know that I do not take this re-election lightly. Read More

In recent years, the landscape of law enforcement in the U.S. has undergone significant changes, with officer retention emerging as a critical issue for police departments across the nation. High turnover rates and the challenges of recruiting new officers have placed immense pressure on agencies, impacting community safety and police effectiveness. Read More

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical skill that can save lives in emergencies, and police officers are often among the first responders to arrive at the scene of a medical crisis. While the minimal training they receive may prepare them to perform CPR, the act of doing so can expose officers to various risks — physical, psychological and legal. Read More

I always ask myself, why do people you have known for a long time change when their circumstances change? I recently spoke to an officer who will likely be promoted in the near future and was asked for some advice on how to navigate the line between supervisor and subordinate. I advised this person to make sure they listen and show an interest in their officers’ lives, getting to know them as people. In other words, treat them the way you want to be treated. Read More

I believe that the vast majority of our leadership on this Department is doing a great job and that we truly have good bosses. However, there are toxic leaders within our ranks who are allowed to openly “poison the well” because they are “brass.” We all know these bosses are not held to the same standards as our rank and file. Read More

The endorsement of Democratic candidates by police unions, despite a significant portion of individual police officers identifying as conservative, is a multifaceted issue rooted in labor relations, local politics, funding priorities and the evolving landscape of public safety. Read More

On September 14, hundreds of community members gathered at the Las Vegas Ballpark to cheer on Valley first responders at the Police vs. Fire Charity Baseball Game, sponsored by the law firm of Eglet Adams Eglet Ham Henriod. The teams faced off in a friendly but fiercely competitive back-and-forth match. Read More

The holidays can be stressful for many, especially law enforcement officers. We have to contend with increases in theft-related crimes, drunk driving incidents and more — all while trying to juggle gift shopping, hosting and attending gatherings, and spending time with family and friends. Read More

I would like to take this time to introduce myself. My name is Joel Blasko, and I am the tenth body and newest addition to the LVPPA Executive Board. I am a third-generation Las Vegas native and third-generation LVMPD police officer. I began my journey with LVMPD in November of 2014. Read More