Las Vegas Casinos Continue to Increase Security After Mass Shooting

Las Vegas Casinos Continue to Increase Security After Mass Shooting

Hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip are increasing security with K-9 units and advanced technology.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Oct 15, 2018

Las Vegas tourists are demanding more visible signs of security at the Las Vegas Strip hotels and casinos, according to Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo. 

"No one knows what a terrorist looks like," Lombardo said at a lunch event for the Las Vegas Hospitality Association. "Stephen Paddock didn't look like a terrorist."

One year after the mass shooting, security management is still at the forefront of casino officials' minds. Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Caesars Entertainment, Timothy Donovan told the Las Vegas Review Journal that security is top of mind in light of the terrible events of last yer.

"It made everyone step back and look at their security protocol, their security personnel and their security standards," Donovan said.

Donovan said that security at casinos and hotels are something that you have to look at continuously, "you don't want to become complacent," he said.

Some of the security measures that have been implemented since the mass shooting are increased security visibility including more K-9 units and police. Donovan said the increased K-9 units have been an "effective tool" for casinos across the Strip. 

"Our guests seem to like it," Donovan said. "It makes them feel secure, and they do a great job."

Metropolitan Police Department Capt. John Pelletier advised hotels and casinos to consider security budgets more than a cost. He encouraged hotels to prepare go bags of flashlights, access keys, and current maps; train employees to lead law enforcement through tunnels of buildings, and invest in cameras at the cages that are just as good as the ones looking at the players's cards.

Pelletier said local hotels and casinos are experimenting with new facial recognition and weapons detection technology on their properties. 

"I can't tell you what the business model should be, but I can tell you what the best practice should be," Pelletier said. "You're got to balance your freedom and liberties with this increased security."

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.