NSHE Regents Receive Update on Southern Nevada University Police Consolidation

Since its inception in February, the University Police Services, Southern Command has moved into a new law enforcement complex, is in the process of purchasing a state-of-the-art communications system, standardized uniforms, vehicles, and equipment, started a body worn camera program, and established an office of Clery Compliance for all four institutions, and received $236,000 in grant funding.

At the direction of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents, the University Police Services, Southern Command, was created in February by combining the police departments of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the College of Southern Nevada to increase student safety and department efficiency.

Together, the new police department provides services to all four NSHE institutions in Southern Nevada, including UNLV, CSN, Desert Research Institute, and Nevada State College.

Associate Vice President and Director of Southern Police Services Adam Garcia told the Board on Thursday that while a lot of work has been done, there is still much more to do, including updating the dispatch center by October, standardizing policies and procedures across the department, implementing enhanced training and exercise programs, and coordinating emergency management programs across all campuses.

“Student safety, and the safety of all faculty, staff, administration, and campus visitors remain a priority for NSHE and the Board of Regents,” said Board of Regents Chair Kevin J. Page. “I am pleased the consolidation process has gone smoothly so far and improved efficiency. I believe consolidation will increase safety at our southern institutions.”