Clark County School District history

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 District Police Department began in 1967 when the need for someone to watch overnight activities at school sites became necessary.

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.

By 1976, the Department was comprised of one sergeant and four patrol officers.

Eventually, the Department implemented the first officer training program, and in 1988, added 18 new officers.

Since 1989, all police applicants go through extensive pre-employment testing and background investigations.

In 1999, the Clark County School District Police was again impacted by the legislature.

In 2000, Elliot Phelps was named as Chief of School Police.

In 2005, Hector R. Garcia was named as Chief of School Police.

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.

Chief Ketsaa also deployed a complete body worn camera program in 2014 prior to any other Police Department in Clark County.

Chief Ketsaa also established the Departments Community Relations unit in 2015 with a goal and mission of enhancing relationships with our community.