Las Vegas, NV – In a recent interview, Sheriff Kevin McMahill expressed his support for the installation of speed cameras and red-light cameras as measures to enhance road safety in Las Vegas. McMahill, discussing traffic safety concerns within the Metropolitan Police Department’s jurisdiction in 2023, emphasized the need for technological solutions to address rising challenges.

“I do think we need speed cameras, and I do think we need red-light cameras,” McMahill stated, acknowledging that relying solely on traditional law enforcement efforts may not suffice. He highlighted the limitations of manpower, stating that even increasing the number of officers on motorcycles would not have a substantial impact.

However, current Nevada law restricts the use of such cameras without the physical presence of law enforcement. Unlike other states, standalone red-light and speed cameras are not utilized in Nevada. McMahill and the Metropolitan Police Department advocate for a change in state law to permit the deployment of these cameras, a move they believe could significantly contribute to safer driving conditions.

According to Metro’s statistics, there were 156 fatalities from crashes in 2023, marking a 2 percent increase from the previous year. Fatal crashes also saw a slight uptick, with 150 recorded in 2023 compared to 149 in 2022.

Reflecting on his first year in office, McMahill expressed satisfaction with progress made in combating violent crime but expressed concern over the rise in fatal crashes. He stated, “Where I’m not too happy with the way that I performed is in fatal car accidents. They did have an increase in fatalities.”

Erin Breen, the director of UNLV’s Road Equity Alliance Project, supports the implementation of speed and red-light cameras, emphasizing their role in promoting safety. Preliminary data indicates a concerning increase in traffic fatalities in the first half of January in Clark County, strengthening the case for the use of safety cameras.

Despite the potential benefits, the deployment of such cameras faces opposition, with concerns raised about effectiveness and constitutional issues. The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada acknowledged the nuanced nature of the debate, expressing reservations about potential surveillance creep associated with red-light cameras.

Sheriff McMahill acknowledged the concerns but stressed the urgency of addressing the rising number of deaths on the roads. He stated, “I’m tired of dealing with people dying in car wrecks.”

Credits: Review Journal