Las Vegas City Wire

A new team of deputy marshals is now patrolling the 18b Arts District in downtown Las Vegas. Problem-oriented policing, or the P.O.P. team, has been recently introduced to this area. Earlier this year, officers Carla Espinoza and Janelle Mazza initiated the P.O.P. team on the Fremont Street Experience. The team has since expanded to include officer Chad Bryan and now operates in the 18b Arts District.

The officers patrol from Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., starting their days with car sweeps before transitioning to foot patrols. This approach allows them to engage directly with the community, providing a visible and approachable presence.

One of the primary objectives of the team is to build relationships with local businesses. They encourage business owners and employees to report any issues and provide resource cards for distribution to the unhoused community. These cards contain contact information for shelters and counseling services.

The team's regular patrols help them become familiar with both business owners and members of the unhoused community, fostering trust and facilitating assistance efforts. They also work with business owners to identify individuals causing problems by collecting photos and videos.

This initiative represents a significant step in addressing public safety in downtown Las Vegas. The P.O.P. method focuses on identifying and solving specific community problems rather than merely responding to incidents as they occur. This proactive strategy aims to create a safer environment, particularly in rapidly developing areas like the Arts District that attract more visitors and businesses.

The P.O.P. team's approach seeks to strengthen community bonds and ensure a safer environment for all, contributing positively to life in downtown Las Vegas.