Las Vegas Security

[Steve]

This week's Topic Of The Week question comes from Jane. A Las Vegas local and a veteran of our members meetings.

With all the recent controversy over Metro's excessive use of force, when apprehending criminals----Has anyone ever had a positive, or negative experience with either Metro, or any other form of hotel security?

Note: There will be no Topic Of The Week question next week.
Also if you have a Topic Of The Week question, please email it to me at:
mrvegas98@aol.com.

Steve

[wa8ckt]

We have never had dealings with Metro, or any other police force in Vegas, (or Caro). Have often seen many riding their bikes on the strip and it makes us feel better. For the most part, I feel, when they say stop, then stop. They are just doing their job and have NO idea who or what they are dealing with. This is getting to be a crazy world and I give them my respect. John in Caro

[ronnie2000]

I've not read anything about the excessive use of force when apprehending criminals, however, if it's a criminal, they need to do whatever is necessary to apprehend the criminal and protect the innocent who are nearby. Too often, the police are indicted because they didn't do something quick enough and, in the long run, some innocent person gets hurt or killed by the criminal. We recently had an officer shot point blank by a criminal. Then the criminal was on top of him, beating him like crazy. Had it not been for a bullet proof vest AND the assistance of a soldier (HOO-YAH!!), we would have had another funeral for a law enforcement officer. To me, excessive force is pumping 25 bullets into someone when 3 would have done the job. Other then that, let the police do their job and get the frigging criminals OFF THE STREET, OFF THE METRO, OFF THE PLANET :mad: Are you clear where I stand on the issue :D

[ThoseEyes]

I don't know if this "counts" for your purposes...

I was at the NBPA All-Star Gala in February. (I was also at Mandalay Bay a few nights before in preparation for the Gala.) I made a point of speaking to the Metro officers as I was leaving (@ 3am!). Every one of them was pleasant and polite. The MB security had a bit more vested in looking "busy", but IMO that's pretty typical.

As for casino security... oy... they vary. Some really don't want to do anything.. NOTHING. I'm guessing that the ones who are more than making a show of wearing a uniform don't readily come to my attention? OTOH, I have been places where they seem pretty sharp.

Of course, I'm not exactly a trouble maker<G>

[MrBrownstone]

I had an experience where a women had her purse snatched. This guy & his partner had an SUV parked in front of Bally's.

Outside the casino, there was no 'yellow jackets' and no casino security.

His partner drove off, and the guy ran off, getting into his SUV about 1/2 a block down LV boulevard.

When we called police, I gave them the license plate#, a description, and assisted the woman into the casino...she was very emotionally distraught.

I have never received a call back from metro to identify the suspects, so I trust nothing happened. Noone was arrested. As many yellow jackets as I've seen in Vegas, this is one time where noone was around.

The officer was very hospitable to the woman and I, but I really wonder if they even bothered to pursue the matter since I gave them the LICENSE PLATE number!!! You would think I would be called upon as a witness!!!

Strange

[parisbill]

I have total admiration for the LV Police.

In my dealings (all lawful, mind you) I have found them in general to be respectful, understanding and accommodating.

We must never forget that along with 45 million plus visitors that come to LV there is also a real criminal element that is attracted to LV because of gaming, undeserved "get away with anything" reputation and job opportunity. Drugs is also a big problem along with an increased gang element.

Most of us could not a week doing their job as they often see the worst in people on a daily basis

[Nevada]

I think it was about four years ago while at Harrahs security tried to stop two men who were taking the coin cups from people at the slot machines. While chasing one of the men security jumped on top of one of the thiefs who took the gun from the officer while struggling on the floor the gun went off striking a women who was playing blackjack killing her. I never did find what they ended up giving the thiefs or should call them killers in way of a conviction, but shure hope they put them away for life. So whatever the security cops do in way of force is never enough when a innocent bystander ends up dead when enough force isn,t used :mad:

[stevevarro]

We never had a negitive encounter with the police in Las Vegas, but we did have a funny one ten years ago.

My wife and I were on our Honeymoon and went to the Monte Carlo to see Lance Burton. When we parked the car in the parking garage, I locked the keys inside with the car running. Barbara was dressed in some sexy short shorts and a cute blouse. ;)

I asked her to stay with the car while I went to call the car rental place and get the tickets for the program.

While she was setting there on the fender of the car with her long sexy legs crossed. I gentlemen on a bicycle rode up and asked her what she was doing. Since she only saw him from the front she didn't notice the word "POLICE" on the back of his shirt. She looked him up and down and said; "I'm setting here, what are you doing?" He replied that he was working, but hoping she wasn't. Confused by his comment, she explained that her husband locked the keys in the car and should be right back. He rode on and it was then that she saw the back of his shirt and understood his comment about her not working.

We laughed about it all evening.... at least until we got back to the room and she wanted to be paid for her services! :eek:

[Dkoehn]

A couple years ago my husband and I (a couple of middle aged, law abiding folks) were staying at Imperial Palace. Since the elevators are notoriously slow there, we had heard that you could take a stairway and get to the casino floor from your room much quicker. We went out the doorway and down the steps only to find that every door was marked "for emergency only". There was no apparent way out except through an "emergency door". When we got to what we thought was the casino level we decided to take our chances and go through the door only to find out we were not only in the garage but also had set off an alarm. A bicycle security guard was there almost immediately and had us show IDs and give our hotel room. Then he called another security guard to come on a golf cart to pick us up and take us to the main casino entrance. Boy were we embarrassed to be escorted to the casino in that fashion! On the other hand, I'm reassured that they were checking strangers who were in a place they weren't supposed to be.. makes me feel safer.

Donna in (still snowy) Ohio

[jbueng]

Hey All, Just returned from Vegas. I was robbed twice while there! Once by the Slots and Tables, and the second time by the Airport baggage handlers. However, I do feel SAFE when I am in Vegas. I am a Cop in Minnesota. Perhaps I feel Like I am Street Smart or something. But, I will say that the only bad use of force is excessive or unnecessary force. If a Police officer, or security gaurd are physically restraining people it isn't because it is fun! It is because it is necessary. Like an earlier post said, if you are told to stop, then stop. If you run, you will be tackled. You will be cuffed. You will probably go to jail. The charges are called "Disobeying the direct order of a police officer". Most people in Vegas are there to have a good time, others to mug you, rob you, or take your posessions. The use of force is taught to be quick, and to the level it takes to sub-due your suspect ASAP. The less time you have to fight with them, the better, for the cop and the public. Very unfortunate incident from the earlier post at Harrahs!
Remember that there are hundreds of people walking around in Vegas with LOTS of MONEY in their wallets, purses or pockets. It amazes me that there are not more people mugged in that city! I saw a lot of people walking in "questionable" areas last week. I had over a $1000.00 on me most of the trip as did two of the other three with me. Not a bad score for a thug!
Now, about the airport. I do not check a bag. So, I put a small plastic bag of blackjack chips and half dollars that I won into my buddys bag so I wouldn't have to pull them out at the carry on scanner. (Stupid) I know. Well when we arrived in North Dakota I pulled the bag off the carosel and went through it. No Money. I figured I lost about $50.00 in change and chips. Also a pair of sunglasses. I called one of my travel partners and they also lost a pair of sunglasses. I learned something I should have known. Hold onto your valuables! Trip #12 this fall, that airport ain't getting anything from me! Have a great time.....and be safe, wherever you are!

[sonntex]

A good many years ago when Harrahs first moved in next door to the IP, I got sick in the casino - puking my insides out. Instantly there were two security men with a wheel chair and they wheeled me to my room.

Once in Harrahs recently, there was some disturbance over by the piano bar and several security people came running thru and nabbed a guy. Don't know what he was doing, but they got him out of there pronto.

Once I lost my sunglasses. Didn't know if I left them in Paris or Ballys. The security folks headed me toward the lost and found. No sunglasses, but I was very happy with the way I was treated.

I really like the security at the Rio. They come by quite often and introduce themselves and offer any assistance that I might need. Sometimes they call me by name. I like that.

We have never had any experience with the police department in LV, but, I see them around a lot. I feel pretty secure when in Vegas, although I don't walk down the strip alone at night.

[Boston_Bill]

Ive only had one experience with Metro and they were very friendly to me Ive told the strip joint story before. Other than that I have never even talked to a Metro cop or seen anything out of the oridinary

[gimp1]

when I went to vegas the first time in 1999 my wheelchair was stolen and i was left laying in the street on the strip.... The nice folks that knocked me out of the chair get any money but got a $2800.00 wheelchair. I became a fan of the METRO Vegas P.D. when they got me back to my hotel and got me in touch with a whelchair vendor that loaned me a wheelchair that got me around Vegas and home.
As a former private investigator and paramedic i understand the use of force by the police and sometimes what the public sees as too much force can sometimes only be the force needed to control the subject.

[jmiles10]

Several years ago we were at The Joint in Hard Rock for a concert (Poison & Cinderella). The guy standing behind me was out of control drunk, yelling and flipping off the security guards between shows. Next thing I know, I was grabbed from behind and drug out by my neck in something similar to a sleeper hold. The guy (about Shaq's size) kept saying "don't resist me". I was not even half this guys size and I certainly was not resisting him. We were taken to an office and told that I was positively identified as the guy repeatedly flipping off the security guards -- but, it wasn't me. We were told that we were banned from the Hard Rock and we should leave immediately, or we would be forced to leave. It was a horrible experience, since we had specifically planned our trip for that weekend to see the concert.

[vegasbabe]

I just can't believe how many times I've listened to the news, and heard a metro police officer was under investigation for doing his job. once, a 300 lb man, who was on multiple ILLEGAL drugs, attacked an officer. Police were unable to subdue him with a tazer, and he charged them again. They were forced to shoot, and the man later died. The family attempted to sue the cop.

Another cop shot and injured a gunman outside of the Boulevard mall. The man had shot at least a dozen shots directly at the police car, and the cop was forced to return fire. Again, the cop was investigated. Huh?

Thanks to all the officers, and security people here in Vegas who keep us all safe!

[rifledude]

People should expect the law enforcers to kick it up a notch.
Violent criminals have to be subdued quickly.

A couple of years ago I was playing Blackjack at the Nugget when a man came running past the table with a purse in his hand. He was immediately tackled by two plain clothes detectives , handcuffed and hauled away. I mentioned to the dealer that I 've never seen that here before. She said it happens all the time and kept dealing as if nothing happened.

For once, I was at a loss for words.

[Jacob36]

I have had no dealings with Metro, and hope I never do, other than seeing them riding on the strip and downtown. As for excessive force, some cops might go over board, but for the most part, they have to do what they have to do, so they can go home every day.

Most of the hotel security guard that I have ever talked to has always been friendly and helpful. The first time I took my mom out to Vegas, I was a little worried about not being able to keep an eye on her, once she gets on the machines, she forgets about everything else around her. Thought she would be one of the ones you see on TV of someone stealing her cups of coins or purse.

At the Barbary Coast, she was on a machine when two guys sat down, one on each side of her, even though there was room for them to sit next to each other on either side of her. I seen this and was cashing out my machine, to go over and stand behind her, before I could get over there, here came a security guard at one end of the isle, stopped and watched, while another one came to the other end and watched, while a third came up from behind. I guess the two guys seen this, got up and left, with two of the security guards following and watching. Mom finally seen what was going on and was getting scared until she saw the one guard standing behind her (she did not know about the other 2 guards until I told her). Seemed like after that for the rest of the night, at least one of the security guards was keeping an eye on mom. I thanked them and sent a letter to the hotel manager commending them.

[cindyinnj]

I've only seen Metro "in action" once. They were arresting someone in front of Flamingo. Not sure what this person did, but they were holding him down and putting on handcuffs. They seemed to be doing their jobs the way they're supposed to. I've seen Metro Police talking to people and they seem to be very nice, helpful and even lenient with drunks and liquor on the strip and downtown. They always seem to be aware of what's going on around them. I think they do a tremendous job for Las Vegas!

[teppy1954]

Security staff at almost every hotel are amazing, great ambassadors and more than helpful. My best encounter was at the Aladdin: My wife has a habit of putting her purse down and then forgetting it and walking away. She did just that at the Desert Passage in the Aladdin. We were gone 15 minutes when she remembered. The minute we re-entered the mall, security whisked us up to their offices. Gave us a coffee and her purse. Kudos all around!

PS We cured the problem, my wife doesn't use a purse on vacation anymore!

[vegasdough]

I think the show of force is good. Everyone was caught off guard during the NBA weekend, my hat's off to the Metro and all the others that work to keep us safe while we're in Vegas.

[blobster]

Well, no interactions with police, but two with security at casinos and I was not impressed at all.

Caesars Palace: turned away for 10 seconds and someone stole my digital cam. right from the slot machine space to my right. I went to the security station moments later and got an indifferent response from the guard. He did not offer to have me fill out a complaint, or check out any video to investigate who stole the camera. Pretty lousy "service" from the casino.

IP: my father-in-law fell on their escalator during construction (the casino put plastic covering all over the carpeting towards the back entrance and it went right up to the escaltor). His bag snagged the plastic and he fell back as the escaltor took him up. He scratched his legs and could have been seriously hurt. The security guard took a photo and I completed a form, but that was it. The guard would not take me the the GM or anyone in charge. Later written complaints went unaddressed, even after STEVE wrote to the IP regarding the issue. No comps., no first aid, no phone call to check on it.

By the way, this was way before Harrah's chose to purchase the property.

[corinne]

Having gone to see Donny Osmond at The Orleans last June we had our evening ruined by his manager (female). There were no notices about cameras or camcorders not being allowed and everyone was out of their seats, up close and taking photos. We were in our seats and I took a few seconds of camcorder footage after seeing 25% of the audience doing the same - or so I thought. Evidently some were taking photos on the camcorder or perhaps weren't so obvious as me not realising I shouldn't be doing it. I had no idea I was doing anything wrong and was copying the rest of the audience. Having seen The Righteous Brothers a couple of years ago when I had no problem with the cine camera I thought nothing of it.

Well, a very officious woman who was extremely rude came up to me and demanded my mini DVD from the camcorder. I apologised and said I hadn't realised I was doing anything wrong and could I not just wipe the bit off so she could see it was gone. 'Give it to me now' she said, extremely aggressively. I said it had the rest of the Vegas trip on it as well which she couldn't care less about. After a few minutes trying to get her to be reasonable she said to hand it over now or she'd get me arrested. A little over the top I thought for 30 seconds of Donny Osmond, particularly as we are English and didn't know we were allegedly in the wrong.

Anyway cut a long story short I handed it over and then made a complaint to the security staff afterwards who logged the complaint and agreed with me entirely she should have just said to stop filming and then taken it further if I'd carried on. That is the hotel's policy.

She said it had been destroyed which turned out to be a lie and wouldn't come out to discuss it but just said that if I emailed her she would wipe the disk and return it in the post.

I spent the next day or so re-taking the footage I'd lost as I really didn't think I'd ever see it again.

Not a very pleasant experience and one I won't be repeating this year in June when he's there again.

However, I still think Donny's cute!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just won't be going to another one of his concerts unless he comes to the UK.

[bevierose]

For all of you this is a positive response. When my cousin had her wallet stolen while in the ladies room at Harrah's 4 years ago, the Metro police were more than good to us. We had to take a trip out to the airport to file the report thinking that perhaps the wallet may have fallen out of her purse before we went to Harrahs and the ladies room that very first hour arriving in Vegas. We had her picture taken then they asked the contents and drove us back to Harrahs, in fact. She was more upset about the old photos in there of her father, who had passed, than money or credit cards. The big thing was the driver's license from FL where we live. That very day we declared war on Iraq and the security level was heightened to the highest color. What happened after I explained to many of you before...I hit $1000 at Mandalay Bay at the Wheel of Fortune machine; I found a $100 chip on the floor there, played it and won $1700 and gave Peggie all her money back and had plenty of extra to enjoy with. We even got comped by Harrahs for all of our meals the next 3 days too. The Metro police checked in with us every day and stopped by the hotel to tell us how to get her license copied. They said to think of a place she used her license in FL for ID. At the doctor's office was one place. So they had Harrahs Assistant Manager call the doctor's office for us and ask them to fax a copy of the license with her picture on it to Harrahs. The Metro police were extremely good to us as well as the staff at Harrahs. So, in the end we got Peggie on the plane, albeit with the body search and more; nevertheless, she got on the plane so we could go home. When we got home, she went to get a new license. The photos were gone; the 2 credit cards replaced and stopped payment on (no problem); and that was the end of it. Whoever stole the wallet, I hope they only had bad luck thereafter. For all of you who read this...good luck and have fun!:)

[Trillian]

A few years ago my mother and I stayed at Bellagio. I arrived a few hours before she did, so checked my luggage and went to play the slot machines. I usually carry just a small purse, but this time I had a purse and a larger hobo-style bag. I started playing some machines, didn't like them and went to play different ones in another area. About 5 minutes later I realized I didn't have my purse and went running back to my original machine. Nothing there. I grabbed someone - the first employee I saw - and was babbling about how I lost my purse. The young lady came with me, looked around some more, then escorted me to security, where lo and behold, they already had my purse! Of course, I had no ID to prove it was mine, since it was all in the purse, but I babbled on about everything in it - license, credit cards, passport, money (everything that would have been in the safe if I hadn't gotten there early).... They looked at the ID, saw it was me, and I had my purse back. An exciting first 15 minutes in Vegas! Luckily the rest of the trip was less eventful.

[vu-doo]

i was driving downtown this past feb. and i was pulled over. i had no idea why. i wasn't speeding, i wasn't drunk . come to find out . my rental car had no tags. it was a brand new car and hadn't gotten tags yet.

metro pulled me over to make sure the car wasn't stolen. and everything checked out . they were very polite .

[flamingofun]

A big thank you to Metro & Hotel security. They do an enormous job. I feel 'too' safe on the Strip & Freemont St. I don't wander off on side streets. They did an awesome job of control New Years Eve 1999. No one died!! Our only encounter was at Barbary Coast. During Big Elvis show, my mother in law age 80, fell asleep in her chair. We just let her nap. Soon a nice/polite security guard came over to inquire. We explained 'too much Vegas'. She then awoke & we all had a laugh. So Jacob36, seems Barbary Coast takes good care of mom's glued to slots & mom's who nap. We'll be taking mom again this June. And she best stay awake during Big Elvis. VIVA LAS VEGAS

[Tweeets]

This week's Topic Of The Week question comes from Jane. A Las Vegas local and a veteran of our members meetings.

With all the recent controversy over Metro's excessive use of force, when apprehending criminals----Has anyone ever had a positive, or negative experience with either Metro, or any other form of hotel security?

Note: There will be no Topic Of The Week question next week.
Also if you have a Topic Of The Week question, please email it to me at:
mrvegas98@aol.com.

Steve

Once, while in the old Maxim casino, I had a small change purse fall out of my slacks pocket, I didn't realize it until we got into the rental car. I went back into the casino to to inquire if anyone had found it, the securiy guard said one was turned in that fit the description I gave them but, they wanted proof. Well, my proof was in my handbag in the car, with my friend, but I remembered I had shoved my lunch receipt into the purse, when I told them that, they wanted to know what was on the receipt. When I told them that I had a jumbo shrimp cocktail and a bottle of Birch Beer at Sams Town, the security guard chuckled and returned my wallet. It was not a bad experience at all. Maybe because I had only a few bucks in it and it wouldn't have been a big loss.