LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The Clark County School District Police Department is celebrating a big win for traffic safety this school year.
Lt. Michael Campbell who leads the department’s traffic unit says this time last year there were 99 students hit by cars going to and from school.
With more crossing guards being hired and increased police patrol, we’re seeing a 17 percent drop compared to this time last year.
This is significant after a record-breaking year of 139 students hit by cars going to and from schools in the 2023-2024 school year.
“We’re pretty happy about that, and I attribute that to just having a few more officers on the traffic unit that can be more present,” said Lt. Campbell.
At the start of the school year, two more officers were added, bringing the team to eight.
They’re out patrolling at schools making sure the roads are safe.
They continue to see the same laws being broken, including speeding and illegal U-turns in school zones.
Lt. Campbell says another issue has become more prevalent over the last few years, electric bikes, that are getting hit more often than regular bikes.
“The biggest thing is that they’re riding them on the sidewalk,” he said. “They’re riding them on the wrong side of the road or down the middle of the road.”
Lt. Campbell says crossing guards are a major help in addressing the traffic issues, especially after being added to middle schools in Clark County and Henderson over the last year.
“Like some superheroes, they were capes, but ours carry a stop sign,” said Sergio Mayoral, team manager for the All City Management Services (ACMS) of Southern Nevada.
ACMS had a big crossing guard hiring event Tuesday morning in the South Valley.
“We’re looking for anywhere between 40 to 60 dedicated, motivated individuals that can help us fill our empty roles,” said Mayoral.
Candidates like Lakeitha Johnson and Patricia Valero, are excited to help the kids.
“It can be a little bit better as far as the traffic goals. Yeah, the traffic is a little heavy after schools around the where the kids are getting off,” said Valero.
“I have kids myself, and their safety is my number one priority,” said Johnson.
They are looking to prevent accidents just by their presence to slow down traffic and keep children alert.
“Just treat everybody that you see on the road like they’re your own family members, all the students, like they’re your own child, and we can get there,” said Lt. Campbell.
For anyone looking to help, there’s another crossing guard hiring event on Thursday, February 13th at the ACMS Office at 4775 W. Teco Ave., Suite 235, 89118 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
There is a background check.
If hired, you’ll work one hour in the morning, and one hour in the afternoon.
