City officials aim to address crowd control concerns, but ACLU Nevada voices opposition

In a bid to address crowd control issues on the famed Las Vegas Strip, the Clark County commissioners introduced an ordinance in November 2023, imposing a $1,000 fine for individuals standing still on pedestrian bridges. The move aims to prevent crowd crush situations, particularly during events, and has garnered support from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Undersheriff Andy Walsh expressed concerns about maintaining order on crowded pedestrian bridges. He stated, “For some time, we have been concerned about crowd crush with the events on Las Vegas Boulevard. What we see is when the pedestrian bridges get packed, it’s difficult for officers to get on those bridges and maintain order.”

The ordinance covers pedestrian bridges and an area of up to 20 feet surrounding these structures. Offenders who violate the ordinance by standing still in these designated areas can face fines of up to $1,000 or a maximum of six months in jail.

Commissioner Jim Gibson emphasized that the ordinance is intended to be “clean, clear, and direct,” and the commission trusts that LVMPD will enforce it fairly. Even Las Vegas street performers will be affected, as the ordinance prohibits them from stopping on pedestrian bridges. However, they will still be permitted to perform on the streets below.

The move is seen as a response to a perceived increase in disorder-related incidents. A study conducted by UNLV criminal justice professor William Sousa noted a 23 per cent rise in calls to the police for such incidents between 2018 and 2022.

While city officials aim to address crowd control and potential disorder, ACLU Nevada’s Executive Director, Athar Haseebullah, has voiced opposition to the ruling. He argued against the lack of specificity regarding the nature of the alleged crime and stated that legal action may be taken to challenge the ordinance.