Business and Industry asks to station Capitol Police in Las Vegas offices after staff threats

Department of Business and Industry leaders asked the subcommittee to approve funding that would place Capitol Police officers on-site in BNI buildings in Las Vegas, arguing it would improve staff safety and incident response.

Director Chris Sanchez told the committee that staff at BNI have received direct threats and that people have shown up at agency parking lots "with the intent to do harm." He said the agency currently relies on private contracted security (Allied) and local law enforcement but wants a stationed Capitol Police presence to reduce response time and preserve chain-of-custody for investigations. "This will give us an actual presence in our buildings…they will be responding on-scene," Sanchez said, describing planned coverage of the 2300 West Sahara building and a nearby site at 3300 Sahara.

James Kirkpatrick explained the request is captured in decision units (E232 and related units) that would transition funding from Allied to Capitol Police costs. Sanchez said Capitol Police officers are sworn law-enforcement personnel who can make arrests and handle investigations immediately, contrasting that with Allied guards who must summon local police when incidents occur.

Committee members asked for clarifications about public-facing safety concerns; Sanchez said he was not aware of general-public complaints but described several escalated incidents involving upset constituents following licensing decisions. He said the change is intended as a deterrent and to better protect staff who adjudicate licensing decisions and render disciplinary outcomes.

Ending: The subcommittee heard the justification and asked follow-up questions; funding and implementation would require legislative approval and appropriation decisions in the budget process.