Firearms

In February 2000, LVMPD started the Firearms Investigative Unit. The mission of the Firearms Investigative Unit is to conduct investigations that remove as many illegal firearms as possible from the streets of Las Vegas and Clark County before they are used to hurt or kill someone. This unit's function is to

• Investigate ex-felons in possession of firearms,
• Enforce and ensure compliance with the Brady Bill and federal firearms license regulations.
• Conduct investigations and arrest on NRS firearm violations.
• Respond to the District Attorney's request for further information on firearm-related cases.
• Coordinate firearm recovery projects with department units, and other law enforcement agencies, and,
• Develop firearm initiatives that will reduce firearm violence in our community.

On May 14, 2001, President George W. Bush announced Project Safe Neighborhoods. This program will send $550 million into law enforcement nationwide to prosecute those who violate firearm laws. Clark County has already been the recipient of this federal program with two new prosecutors assigned to the U.S. Attorney's Office to primarily prosecute firearm offenses. In 2002, the Clark County District Attorney's Office also received a grant from this program that allowed them to create the Gun Crimes Team that will do the same.

Examples of illegal firearm cases are:

• Ex-felons who possess firearms
• Narcotic offenders who possess firearms
• Firearms used in the commission of a crime
• Possession of a firearm with a removed, altered or obliterated serial number
• Possession of a short barreled shotgun or rifle

LVMPD employees know that many citizens are exposed to criminal activity because of where they live, where they go to school, or where they work. Concerned citizens are always a good source of information, but the problem in the past was getting the information from the citizen without jeopardizing his or her well being. The Firearms Investigative Unit initiated an anonymous telephone hotline for anyone with information about illegal weapons. The number is (702) 385-GUNS and its goal is to provide an avenue for citizens to call with illegal firearm information and remain anonymous. To keep callers anonymous, all information that is given must be corroborated with investigative work, so, the more information that is given, the better the chance of a successful investigation.

If you have information about illegal firearms you can call (702) 385-GUNS or you can send an e-mail.