Las Vegas wants you as crossing guard

Las Vegas officials appealed to the public Thursday for help in filling 50 crossing guard positions in the Metropolitan Police Department's jurisdiction.

Emphasizing the need to protect children from the dangers of the road, Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Wolfson called the shortage a crisis. Currently, 360 crossing guards must meet the needs of 144 schools and 266 intersections.

County schools reopen Monday after the holiday break.

Sheriff Doug Gillespie said the shortage was caused by high turnover among crossing guards, many of whom are senior citizens.

A crossing guard task force of law enforcement, government and school officials was created to address the need. The task force is hoping to continue to recruit retired folks and hire college students with flexible schedules.

Two hours of training and a background check are required to become a crossing guard, Gillespie said. Crossing guards are paid $8.91 an hour and work for the Police Department.

Wolfson said one of the strategies to increase the ranks of crossing guards is to raise their pay, but by how much has not been decided. The task force also is looking at allowing crossing guards to work one shift, either in the morning or the afternoon.

Law enforcement agencies are expected to increase patrols around valley schools at the beginning of next week in search of school zone speeders and double-parked motorists.

Anyone interested in becoming a crossing guard should call the Police Department at 828-3192 or 828-3762 or download an application at www.lvmpd.com.