Las Vegas Considers Bringing Back the Resort Corridor Court to Address Strip Crime
Background on the Resort Corridor Court Initiative
Between 2023 and 2024, Las Vegas introduced the Resort Corridor Court program specifically to combat crime along the famous Las Vegas Strip. This initiative aimed to manage repeat offenders through the issuance of order-out orders, which barred individuals from entering certain parts of the Strip under threat of trespassing charges. Implemented following a 2022 Clark County ordinance, these orders could ban individuals from the area for up to one year and were frequently applied against those involved in trespassing or violating previous orders, particularly impacting the homeless community.
Support from Resorts and Law Enforcement
The program saw strong backing from the gambling industry, including the Nevada Resort Association, who viewed it as a vital tool for protecting the Strip’s reputation and ensuring a safe environment for tourists. Local prosecutors also advocated for the court’s return, emphasizing its role in addressing recurring issues. Data from the Las Vegas Justice Court revealed that over 4,100 order-out orders were issued, highlighting the program’s active enforcement. Governor Joe Lombardo has indicated plans to reconvene the legislature, where discussions about reinstating the program are expected.
Concerns Raised by Critics
Despite backing from some sectors, the Resort Corridor Court has faced sharp criticism. Opponents argue that the program disproportionately targeted homeless individuals and overlooked the underlying causes of Strip-related crime. Assistant Public Defender John Piro described the court as a system primarily serving resort interests, resulting in the incarceration of homeless individuals for offenses linked to their condition, which unnecessarily burdened taxpayers.
Deputy Public Defender Olivia Miller, who formerly served with the court, stated that the program failed to address core issues such as homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance abuse—primary factors driving crime in the area. Athar Haseebullah, executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, pointed out that most order-out orders were for non-violent offenses and expressed concern that resorts targeted individuals deemed undesirable rather than addressing broader social problems. Additionally, some have questioned whether the 2022 ordinance underlying these orders was even constitutional.
