Crossing guard shortage looms

A shortage of crossing guards at area schools is expected to worsen after the holidays because that's usually a period when many people leave the part-time jobs, Las Vegas police said.

Currently, about 20 crossing guard vacancies need to be filled around the valley, police say. In the past five months, 39 crossing guards have been hired by Las Vegas police, but 30 have left the part-time job, which pays $8.91 per hour.

The high attrition rate might be attributable to the fact that it is outdoor work with an odd split schedule of a few hours in the morning and a few hours in the afternoon, authorities said.

Las Vegas police are creating a task force to look at short-term and long-term solutions to ensure student safety. Police said being a crossing guard is a good opportunity to supplement income with a minimal time commitment.

Anyone wishing to apply for such a position can pick up an application at any local substation or from the agency's Web site, www.lvmpd.com.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-4638.