Las Vegas Creates Tactical Vehicle Program After 2017 Mass Shooting

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) released its after-action review for the mass shooting that took place at a country music festival in the city in October 2017. The incident, which is the worst mass shooting in modern history, led to several major changes to the police operation, including the establishment of a tactical vehicle program.

According to the report, LVMPD decided to deploy tactical vehicles to each area command. Now, at least two tactical vehicles are assigned to each urban area command, for a total of 21 tactical vehicles across LVMPD’s jurisdiction. Outside of the city, the agency's Laughlin and Airport area commands have similar tactical vehicles available to use.

Each tactical vehicle, available for a quick response, is equipped with extra ammunition, a ladder, a ballistic shield for rifles and handguns, a breach kit, medical gear, and a 40mm low lethal launcher.

LVMPD received donations and grant funding to ensure all tactical vehicles are equipped with extra equipment, including additional Halligan breacher irons (used for forcible entry) and tactical bags filled with medical supplies.