Union objects as Las Vegas board approves counting outside experience for deputy marshal sergeant eligibility

The Las Vegas Board of Civil Service Trustees on April 22 approved revisions to classification specifications that recognize prior law-enforcement experience for eligibility to test for deputy city marshal sergeant, a change the Las Vegas Police Protective Association said disadvantages current, non-lateral marshals.

John Abel, government affairs director for the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, told the board during public comment that the marshals oppose the proposed change, saying it would allow lateral hires from other agencies to be eligible for sergeant testing immediately after probation while long-serving marshals would be passed over. “Our marshals that are currently…working…have been with the marshals that are not laterals, oppose this change,” Abel said, adding he believed the change would let laterals be promoted ahead of existing staff.

Nicole Garcia, chief deputy city attorney for the city of Las Vegas, responded during the board’s agenda discussion, saying the specification revisions were within the city’s authority and were intended to expand the candidate pool. “All it does is it counts the existing law-enforcement experience that an officer coming from outside the department would have,” Garcia said, and she noted the city met and conferred with the PPA but disagreed with the association’s position.

Staff told the board the changes were meant to increase competition for promotional testing by recognizing prior service. Assistant Chief Robert Straube was present for questions, and staff recommended approval.

Member Stamper moved to approve the classification specifications for the deputy city marshal sergeant and related classifications; the board voted four in favor, none opposed, and the motion carried.

The board took no additional public testimony after the vote and proceeded to other routine agenda items.