Vegas Police May Boycott Raiders Games Over NFL Data Request
- Las Vegas Police Union warns NFL of boycotting games over new security policies.
- NFL's requirement for officers to submit biometric data triggers conflict with police union.
- Fear of private information exposure leads to threat of security detail withdrawal.
The Las Vegas Police Protective Association (LVPPA) has issued a stern warning to the NFL and the Las Vegas Raiders regarding new security protocols that mandate officers to provide biometric data. The union's president, Steve Grammas, stated that if these requirements are enforced, officers will refuse to work at Raiders home games at Allegiant Stadium. The union's concerns stem from fears that the biometric data could be misused by organizations perceived as anti-police, potentially leading to harassment of officers. Grammas expressed his apprehension in a video to union members, emphasizing that he does not want personal data to be accessible to "people that you don’t know." He highlighted the risks associated with the new technology, which includes facial recognition scans, and the possibility of sensitive information falling into the hands of groups that advocate for defunding the police. The NFL has previously collaborated with various organizations critical of law enforcement, raising further concerns among officers. In response, NFL Director of Communications Tim Schlittner defended the new credentialing system, asserting that it would enhance security at stadiums. He expressed a willingness to address any concerns raised by the police union. However, the LVPPA remains resolute, indicating that a failure to resolve these issues could lead to significant disruptions for Raiders games this season. As the NFL plans to implement these biometric protocols across all teams, the situation in Las Vegas may set a precedent for other police departments nationwide, with potential implications for security at NFL events.