Area briefing

kids to learn how to resist aggression during Nevada Child Seekers classes

Nevada Child Seekers plans to educate kids on how to resist aggression defensively during radKids classes set through mid-August.

The radKids program aims to provide children with basic safety skills dealing with issues such as fire, their home and the Internet and avoid potential bullying and abduction.

The organization, which tries to prevent children from being exploited or going missing, is offering the free program with assistance from Metropolitan Police Department DARE officers.

The sessions will consist of five classes held daily for two hours. Classes are planned for 9-11 a.m. for 5- to 8-year-olds and 1-3 p.m. for 9- to 12-year-olds.

Scheduled dates and locations are:

n Today-Friday, Monday-July 15, July 18-22 and July 25-29 at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA, 4141 Meadows Lane.

n Monday-July 15 and Aug. 15-19 at the Cimarron Rose Community Center, 5591 N. Cimarron Road, 229-1607.

n Monday-July 15 and Aug. 8-12 at the Durango Hills Community Center YMCA, 3521 N. Durango Drive, 240-9622.

n Aug 1-5 at the Centennial Hills Community Center YMCA, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, 348-5200.

n Aug. 1-5 at Central Christian Church's northeast campus, 1460 Tree Line Drive.

n Aug. 15-19 at the Stupak Community Center, 251 W. Boston Ave.

Kids will receive T-shirts and wristbands following completion of the sessions, and parents will receive manuals dealing with issues discussed during the program.

For more information, visit nevadachildseekers.org, radkids.org, email carole@nevadachildseekers.org or call 458-7009.

Drivers can check for road incidents, closures on state public safety website

Motorists can check for road closures and incidents by visiting the Nevada Department of Public Safety's road hazards page at nvdpspub.gov/nhp/roadhazard.aspx. The page lists the site of the incident or closure and the time and date of the status update.

Henderson police equip patrol vehicles with digital video camera system

The Henderson Police Department's patrol vehicles recently were equipped with digital video cameras to assist with investigations and enhance accountability.

The system is constantly in recording mode, but only 60 seconds of footage are stored at a time unless the system is activated by one of the triggers, police said. The camera records when the police vehicle's emergency lights and/or siren are activated, when the vehicle is traveling 80 mph or faster or when the officer activates it from a wireless microphone or a laptop computer.

One video camera is mounted by the rear-view mirror in the police cars, and a second camera is mounted to record the actions in the back seat.

The video files will be wirelessly and automatically downloaded to city servers, the city said. Video files will be saved for 90 days unless there is a request to keep the file longer. Videos that show an arrest or use of force will be saved for about three years.

The $1.2 million system, which includes audio records, is part of an ongoing effort by Henderson police to integrate technology into fighting crime, city officials said.

The cameras, wireless microphones, installation and software cost about $900,000, and the wireless downloading equipment and servers for storage of the video and audio files cost about $300,000.

The Henderson Police Department received a grant from the Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to pay for the system.

DROWNING PREVENTION EVENT
to teach WATER SAFETY

Henderson is slated to host a drowning prevention event at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Black Mountain Recreation Center, 599 Greenway Road.

The event features a mock drowning to teach children and parents about water safety.

For more information, visit cityofhenderson.com or call 267-2323.

Man injured in backyard grill fire

A 50-year-old southeast Las Vegas man suffered serious burn injuries June 16 after his grill caused a flash fire and ignited the man's clothes, the Clark County Fire Department said.

The Paradise resident attempted to light a grill that contained accumulated gas, causing its top to blow off, fire officials said. The victim was transported to University Medical Center. The incident occurred in the man's backyard at 8242 Beaverbrook Way.

Fire officials said grilling accidents happen every year, especially during the spring and summer, when barbecuing is particularly popular.

The Clark County Fire Code contains provisions that regulate outdoor cooking at apartments, condominiums and residential dwellings. Department officials recommend the use of certified propane cylinders as the safest grilling source.

Residents living in apartments or condominiums should contact their complex managers for specific requirements at their complexes, fire officials said.

The fire code states that outdoor cooking with portable barbecuing equipment is prohibited within 10 feet of any overhang, balcony or opening. It also states that the storage and/or use of portable barbecues and equipment is prohibited indoors, above the first story and within 5 feet of any exterior building wall. The code also requires adult supervision at all times while the barbecue is generating heat.

For more information, visit fire.co.clark.nv.us or call 455-7311.

Law enforcement veteran to oversee security for Clark County courts

Robert Sean Bennett, a longtime federal law enforcement official, has been selected as the new court security director to oversee security for Clark County courts.

The facilities where Bennett will lead security include the Clark County Regional Justice Center and Clark County Family Court.

Bennett worked in the Federal Bureau of Investigation for more than 24 years. His leadership and administrative experience include serving as a supervisory special agent of the Las Vegas division drug/gang squad and a SWAT team leader.

His work history also includes joint investigations in collaboration with all Las Vegas-area law enforcement agencies, counterterrorism and criminal investigations.

As a captain in the U.S. Marines, he led as many as 250 Marines and was decorated while serving as a commanding officer of a detachment. He has a bachelor of science degree in business administration and management from the State University of New York at Brockport.

Given recent incidents of violence locally and around the nation, courts and other public facilities continue to step up security, county officials said. They said Clark County's courts are among the busiest in the nation, averaging 5,000 to 8,000 visitors a day at the Regional Justice Center alone.

For more information, visit clarkcountycourts.us.

Report Road incidents by calling nevada department of transportation

Motorists who notice incidents along state roads can dial 647 to notify the Nevada Department of Transportation.

Incidents can include drunken drivers, traffic crashes, stranded motorists or suspicious activity.

An average of 300 deaths occur annually on Nevada roads, department officials said.

For additional driving tips and other further information, visit nevadadot.com or call 775-888-7115.