Las Vegas police have their hands full. In 2024, the number of traffic deaths was up. So was the number of shootings involving police officers.
On New Year's Day, an Army sergeant killed himself and blew up his Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel.
At the same time, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department could be facing budget issues: The city of Las Vegas provides about 40% of Metro's budget. However, the city needs to make cuts to afford to pay its huge loss in the Badlands Golf Course legal case.
Then there’s the $34 million verdict a jury awarded Kirstin Lobato in her case against Metro. Lobato was convicted twice of murder, then later cleared of wrongdoing.
On the brighter side, the department has reported a 16% drop in violent crime and a 21% drop in the number of murders — with a solve rate of more than 90%.
Guest: Andy Walsh, undersheriff, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
