ABOUT lvmpd sar
We're devoted to safety.
Our team provides Search and Rescue services to over 8,000 square miles in our community. The LVMPD Search and Rescue Unit was formed in 1986 to provide a technical rescue service to the community of Las Vegas, NV.
The unit is on call 24 hours a day and responds to over 8,000 square miles of mountainous desert terrain in Clark County, Nevada.
All members have completed extensive training in such skills as high angle rope rescue, helicopter operations, desert survival, tracking, land navigation, emergency medicine, and many others. The unit operates by combining several highly specialized groups to complete its mission.
These groups including paid police officers, helicopter support, and approximately 50 unpaid volunteers.
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VOLUNTEERS
The volunteers are selected from the community based on their individual expertise and special talents that enhance the team’s abilities. Most volunteers have skills that make them candidates for the team prior to selection such as mountaineering, rock climbing, caving, and scuba diving that are gained outside the unit. Others have skills learned in their occupation as firefighters, paramedics, nurses, and doctors. In many cases no prior experience is required to join other than a willingness to give up part of your time to serve the community!
SELECTION
Each volunteer completes a demanding selection and training process that certifies them in the basics of Search and Rescue procedures. Volunteers regularly train with SAR officers to assure team cohesion and maintain a high level of skill required for the position. Each team has a physical fitness standard and new candidates will complete that along with skills sign offs prior to becoming operational on missions.
OFFICERS
A group of seven Metro police officers serve as the command and training structure of the unit. They are selected from the rank and file of the Metropolitan Police Department and are all experienced law enforcement officers. In conjunction with the air support unit or independently, these officers perform as a fully functional rescue team. When more manpower is needed, the officers call for the search and rescue volunteers.
