History of the CCSD Police Department

The Clark County School District Police was developed in the late 1960’s as a branch of the Maintenance Department of the Clark County School District and has evolved into a fully empowered law enforcement agency comprised of dedicated police officers and support staff.

What would eventually become the Clark County School Police Department began in 1967 when the need for someone to watch over night activities at school sites became necessary. The nucleus of the present department was comprised of security officers who monitored school property and activities from five in the evening until one in the morning. There is some speculation that prior to 1967; the school district had some tie with the Clark County Sheriffs Office. The only evidence we have is a Sheriff patch with a rocker that states: "School Enforcement."

In January of 1971, the Nevada State Legislature designated the Clark County School District security officers as peace officers. This gave them the authority of police officers. In 1976, the Department comprised of one sergeant and four patrol officers. Also, the department implemented the first officer-training program and in 1988 added eighteen (18) additional officers.

In October 1989, the Nevada State Legislature authorized the district to operate a fully state-certified police force and the addition of a Director of School Police. All school district police officers are now required to receive Nevada Police Officer Standard Training (POST) certifications. The size of the department grew from 22 officers to 68 officers, some of which were stationed at all metropolitan area high schools and some junior highs while others were assigned to patrol duties.

Since 1989, all police applicants go through extensive pre-employment testing and background investigations. Prior to the creation of the SNLEA, officers attended the Nevada POST Academy in Carson City. Now all officers attend the Southern Nevada Law Enforcement Academy in Las Vegas for twenty weeks.

In 1999, the Clark County School District Police was again impacted by the legislature. The position of Supervisor of School Police (Chief) was changed to Chief of School Police who reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools.

In 2000, Elliot Phelps was named as Chief of School Police. The department roster listed one hundred twenty four sworn officers on the force.

In 2005, Hector R. Garcia was named as Chief of School Police. Chief Garcia then began a campaign to return the School Police to its roots of service, education and protection. The initiative was codenamed ‘The Roadmap to Excellence’.

In February 2008, Clark County School District made an unprecedented decision to promote one of its own, Captain Filiberto Arroyo, to the rank of Chief of Police. Almost immediately Chief Arroyo began echoing a new mantra, "Back to Basics"; his goal, to deliver School Police back to its true mission of ensuring a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment for the students and staff of Clark County. Chief Arroyo has firmly stated that “As a School Police Department we must continue to work hand-in-hand with school administration to become one. We must also continue to forge bonds with local police agencies to ensure the wellbeing and safety of our students at all times.” This philosophy is founded strongly on advocating the ideology that the presence of a CCSDPD Officer promotes a sense of overwhelming confidence in our students, so that their environment is safe and conducive for learning.

Department Timeline

1960

County population: 116,000

Students: 29,044

Schools: 42

1962

Four security guards assigned to protect district and provide safety services for school activities

Late 1960’s

Security Department originally formed under the umbrella of the Maintenance Department

1970

Population: 262,000

Students: 73,846

Schools: 81

William Scherkenbach – creates and implements the Division of Police Services

1971

Reclassified to Peace Officers

1972–75

Gang activity on the rise.
One (1) sergeant and four (4) patrol officers.

1976

Ernest Diggs. Supervisor (Chief) of School Police

1980

Population: 444,000

Students: 88,567

Schools: 113

Mid-late 1980’s

Gang activity, growth of valley and district caused the Department to increase to 22 officers.

1988

Jack Lazarotto – Director of School Police

1989

State Certified Police Officers.

Nevada State Legislature authorized creation of CCSD Police Department

1990

Population: 708,000

Students: 122,058

Schools: 147

1991

Student homicide at Eldorado HS prompts hiring of additional officers.

1992

Dan Reyes named Supervisor of School Police (Chief).

School Police Officers: 63

1993

School Police Officers: 68

1994

School Police Officers: 75

1995

School Police Officers: 77

1996

School Police Officers: 78

1997

School Police Officers: 100

1998

School Police Officers: 107

1999

Nevada Legislature reclassifies position of Supervisor of School Police to Chief of Police (sworn) and responsible to Superintendent

School Police Officers: 110

2000

Elliott Phelps named Chief of School Police.

School Police Officers: 124

Population: 1,300,000

Students: 231,028

Schools: 250

2001

Federal Grant awarded 31 additional officers to the department

CCSD Police Department is the seventh (7th) largest Police Department in the State of Nevada (according to the 2001 Crime and Justice in Nevada)

2001/2002

Ratio – 2,247 students/employees to one officer

School Police Officers: 129

2002

School Police Officers: 121

2003

School Police Officers: 138

2004

School Police Officers: 146

2005

Hector R. Garcia named Chief of School Police.

School Police Officers: 147

2006

School Police Officers: 141

CCSD is the fifth (5th) largest school district in the United States:

Population: 1,710,551

Students: 302,763

Schools: 326

2007

After many years in the basement of the Las Vegas Academy, School Police Services moves to its new home in the City of Henderson. Shortly thereafter, the new School Police Services Headquarters Building is inaugurated, providing an even greater police presence in the District.

Captains Filiberto Arroyo and James Ketsaa are named Acting Co-Chiefs of Police.

School Police Officers: 150

Est. Population: 2,086,512

Students: 308,783

Schools: 337

2008

Filiberto Arroyo named Chief of School Police.

School Police Officers: We are authorized 170 (Sworn) Police Officers
Civilian Employees: 70

Est. Population: 2,086,512

Students: 308,783

Schools: 337