Couple of quick questions for Vegas Metro guys

[HotSoup]

Hi guys...was just up in Vegas for Memorial Day weekend and saw a couple of things that made me curious....

1. As I was walking the strip I saw a guy in a dark uniform that I first took to be security for somewhere but as I passed him I caught part of his patch and it said State of Nevada...didn't get a chance to make out what it said on the bottom....the patch was in the shape of the state of Nevada and he had a placard on his back that said Police...was just curious what dept he was with.

2. I noticed a LV Metro Officer who had a secondary weapon on the opposite side of his primary...was in a holster tucked into the belt....is that standard for it to be worn that way or is it a choice??

[SoCalguy09]

1. The dark blue uniform and patch you describe is most likely the Nevada DPS, Highway Patrol. See their patch below....



2. Are you sure what you saw wasn't a taser???

[Koala45]

Some guys carry their back-ups like that. As far as the blue uniform, was possible NHP, though if they have something on the back of their shirts, it'll usually say "State Trooper." They also don't hang around the Strip usually, so it was probably Nevada Taxicab Authority.

[HotSoup]

Definitely wasn't Nevada highway patrol....koala the patch you posted is the one I saw....are they actually LEOs???

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Within Nevada, Peace Officers are grouped into one of three classes, Category I, Category II, or Category III:

Category I peace officers include traditional law enforcement officers such as deputy sheriffs, municipal police officers, gaming enforcement and the state troopers of the Nevada Highway Patrol. The Category I peace officer training is a minimum of 480 hours however most Category I academies far exceed the minimum number of hours.

Category II peace officers are specialists and include officers such as parole, probation, and bailiffs. The Category II training varies between eight and ten weeks.

Category III peace officers are those officers assigned solely to corrections or detention. The typical training is four weeks.

[HotSoup]

Anyone know if the NV Taxicab Authority falls under one of those catagories???

[Sgt. Slaughter]

They have Category I & II Peace Officers.

Click here.

[HotSoup]

Thanks Sarge

[Koala45]

If you're curious, here's what their cruisers look like:

[HotSoup]

Didn't see any vehicles just him walking down the street....was just curious because I've never seen that uniform or patch before

[Chomp]

If you're curious, here's what their cruisers look like:

They drive a lot of Dodge pick-ups, too.

[MRRBEST]

Anyone know if the NV Taxicab Authority falls under one of those catagories???

A great deal of them are retired Police Officer's from other agencies and parts of the country too. I feel bad because they are extremely short staffed for the amount of work that they have. I've also never had a negative experience with any of them. All very pleasant and professional.

[HotSoup]

MRRBEST what do they cover?? All taxi related issues I'm assuming??? Or do they cover Weights and measures stuff???

[Fuerza]

This looks very similar to NYC Taxi and Limousine Inspectors. They are sworn peace officers who primarily focus on laws concerning taxi and limo operations, but can make arrests and issue summonses for criminal/traffic offenses as well if they happen to come across them. Most only carry batons and handcuffs, but a few supervisors do carry firearms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxi_an...ine_Commission

[MRRBEST]

MRRBEST what do they cover?? All taxi related issues I'm assuming??? Or do they cover Weights and measures stuff???

This looks very similar to NYC Taxi and Limousine Inspectors. They are sworn peace officers who primarily focus on laws concerning taxi and limo operations, but can make arrests and issue summonses for criminal/traffic offenses as well if they happen to come across them. Most only carry batons and handcuffs, but a few supervisors do carry firearms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxi_an...ine_Commission

I guess in a way similar to NYC TLC. However, those you'll see in enforcement (marked uniforms/vehicles and typically on or near the Las Vegas Strip) are all armed, all Peace Officers, and can arrest / issue citations.
They handle just the Taxi related issues though, not limousine.
Believe me, the taxi's keep them plenty busy.
Here's their website (though its not as informative as I had hoped): http://taxi.state.nv.us/TaxiCabInfo.htm
The reason they are usually on or near the Strip is due to the high quantity of taxi's, issues, and complaints in that area. Fair disputes, accidents, fights with the driver or other passengers, equipment violations, permit violations, etc are typical of their duties. In my opinion and its always appreciated, they also tend to backup Metro without hesitation when they see some sort of enforcement action taking place and they are clear and nearby.