North Las Vegas Proposes Removing Citizenship Requirement for Nevada Police Officers

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (702 Times, NV Globe) – A change to Nevada’s law enforcement officer eligibility requirements has been suggested by the city of North Las Vegas.

The city made a sponsorship announcement for Assembly Bill 30 on Tuesday for the 2018 Nevada legislative session.

Anyone who is lawfully permitted to work in the nation under federal law would be able to become a peace officer under the proposed legislation.

According to city officials, the measure will assist expand the pool of qualified applicants and alleviate the state of Nevada’s shortage of law enforcement officers.

“This bill draft is modeled after successful case studies across the region and is both a springboard to sustainable careers and bright futures for legally authorized immigrants as well as an innovative solution to the heightening recruitment issues facing law enforcement agencies today,” Jared Luke, director of government affairs and economic development for North Las Vegas, said in a statement.

According to the city, if the law is enacted, nearly 140,000 of Nevada’s 140,000 legal permanent citizens would be qualified for police jobs. Potentially, 12,000 more DACA participants might submit an application.

The start of the 2023 legislative session is set for Monday, February 6.

Credits: News3LV