After a vote by the city council, Las Vegas will expand its order-out corridor by 29 acres. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Corridor expands
Las Vegas City Council has unanimously voted to expand the boundaries of the city’s controversial order-out corridor.
The policy allows the city to ban access to tourist areas for individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses committed within their boundaries.
the corridor will now be expanded by 29 acres
Previously, the ordinance covered areas such as the North Strip and Fremont Street, but the corridor will now be expanded by 29 acres to include the Main Street Station parking garage and the Plaza Hotel.
Police statistics
In a presentation earlier this year, local authorities had presented data on the efficacy of the measure as part of a review.
around half of the 81 who breached the order were homeless
From November 27, 2023, to June 30, 2024, the order-out policy applied to 246 people. 81 of those were jailed for violating the order, nine doing so more than once. According to the police, around half of the 81 who breached the order were homeless.
Metropolitan Police Captain Adam Seely stated in the presentation that Fremont Street had seen a 10% reduction in victims of crime within the corridor, while the North Vegas corridor rate had declined much further.
“We’re talking about less victims of crime. I do believe it is a result of the partnership and the policing that we’ve been doing in both areas,” said Seely.
Civil liberties concerns
Courts may grant exemptions for individuals who are required to live or work within the borders of the corridor, for those seeking medical or legal assistance, and for those accessing social programs. However, there is no requirement for authorities to grant any exceptions.
The policy has attracted the opposition of the Nevada American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The organization pointed out that it could face a legal challenge after Clark County, which covers most of the Las Vegas strip, also disputed a similar move.
Tia Smith, an ACLU attorney, said: “Expanding the order-out corridor boundaries before the constitutionality of the ordinance is decided would be premature and could lead to further legal complications. It is essential that any changes to the order-out corridor are guided by the court’s forthcoming ruling.
“Beyond the constitutional concerns, respecting the judicial process by waiting for the court’s decision is not only prudent but reflects the city’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.”
