Private Company Steps up to Bolster Security Staff Shortage at Vegas Casinos

Las Vegas has historically attracted criminals. Yet, from its early days tied to the Mafia to present-day incidents that are now thankfully isolated cases, Sin City has prioritized security.

More Security to Beef Up Vegas Casinos and Streets
However, an incident from earlier this year, when a man stabbed two Red Rock Resort employees in August, showed that casino resorts are still short of running an adequate security force, even though the perpetrator was promptly taken down by a security casino officer.

This may now be changing with the help of Jonathan Alvarez, the CEO of Protective Force International, whose company has secured contracts with 18 casinos and has deployed security staff on the premises.

The names of the properties, however, cannot be revealed for safety purposes, but assured that local security teams have been beefed up. Alvarez argued that it is smaller casinos that usually struggle with hiring enough security staff members who can provide aid in crucial moments.

However, Protective Force International has been able to fill the gaps at the right time, complementing existing armed capabilities and offering additional training and assistance.

The company prides itself on hiring from a wide range of field professionals, which includes former military servicemen and women, along with retired police officers.

The extra help comes at a crucial time for Las Vegas, as the city is bracing for the upcoming US Presidential election and the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix, which will mean that there is more footfall on casino floors across Sin City. This would require better-protected properties.

The selection process at the company is not as straightforward as it may seem, however, Alvarez argues that while expertise in the field is appreciated, being a veteran or a former cop does not necessarily qualify that person to join the security team.

 Protective Force International Has a Rigorous Selection Process
“Just because you are a veteran or prior law enforcement doesn’t necessarily qualify you for just having a firearm and being on our team. We want to make sure we have the right team in place when an emergency happens,” Alvarez explained.

Protective Force International also uses technologically advanced solutions, such as thermal imaging to monitor for other potential threats. Alvarez believes that preventing a security incident is far better than having to act on it, like in the case of the Red Rock attacker who stabbed two employees before getting shot.

Clark County has also requested assistance from the security firm, which will be patrolling and deploying camera systems on Election Day.