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Policing Las Vegas: A History of Law Enforcement in Southern Nevada
Policing Las Vegas A History of Law Enforcement in Southern Nevada Author:Denny Griffin After being established as a railroad town in 1905, most of Las Vegas' population was made up of tough railroaders, ranchers, and miners who worked, drank, and fought hard. Sam Gay, the first police chief, as well as the first elected county sheriff, broke up the numerous scuffles by grabbing the combatants by the scruffs of their necks and bang... more »ing their heads together--it was the beginning of a long legacy of law and order in America's most explosive boomtown. Over the years, Las Vegas left behind its rough and tumble beginnings to become the gambling and entertainment capital of the world. Naturally, the influx of residents and visitors--and their money--brought crime. From prostitutes to street gangs, mobsters to drug dealers, robbers to cheats, Sin City has seen it all. And law enforcement efforts have had to adapt accordingly. POLICING LAS VEGAS follows the evolution of law enforcement in Las Vegas and Clark County from the days of cops who carted drunks to jail on horseback to today's acclaimed Metropolitan Police Department. The transition wasn't always smooth. There were plenty of power struggles, political battles, and rogue cops. But there were also many acts of valor and heroism, and a number of officers made the ultimate sacrifice. Filled with stories about colorful characters and events on both sides of Las Vegas law enforcement: cops and criminals, deeds and misdeeds--POLICING LAS VEGAS is drawn from history and legend and includes more than 100 historical photographs.« less