Law enforcement officials on the playa say they are understaffed for Burning Man, the event that draws 70,000 participants to the remote Black Rock Desert in northwest Nevada.
The Reno Gazette Journal reports that Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen said the number of deputies on hand is not enough, even though the event will have almost as much law enforcement as last year.
The sheriff’s office receives $185,000 of the total $240,000 county stipend from the Burning Man organization for expenses. About 70 part and full time officers staffed the event around the clock last year.
Allen said there will be fewer hires this year because labor and other costs are higher.
Deputies handle person-on-person crimes and minor drug possession charges during the event, while the U.S. Bureau of Land Management agents handle more significant drug crimes as well as traffic and environment-related violations.