Las Vegas Police object to NFL access rules at Allegiant Stadium

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officials and the Las Vegas Police Protective Association (LVPPA) have expressed strong objections to the NFL's new access policies at Allegiant Stadium, which include the use of facial-recognition technology for credentialed personnel. The union has urged its officers to refrain from working Raiders home games if the current arrangement remains unchanged after this weekend. The police are particularly concerned that the technology could infringe on their privacy rights. The NFL's new policy requires personal information from credentialed individuals, including players, media, and vendors, raising alarms among police officers. Union president Steve Grammas highlighted the need for privacy, stating that officers are worried about their personal data being shared with vendors and teams. The police have requested to revert to the previous system, where officers wore wristbands for identification, a practice that will be implemented during the upcoming preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. In response to the backlash, the NFL clarified that the access photos would solely be used for identity verification and not for any other purposes. The league emphasized its commitment to public safety and acknowledged the importance of collaboration with law enforcement to ensure a secure environment on game days. The NFL expressed optimism about addressing the concerns raised by the police department and the union. Sheriff Kevin McMahill has publicly supported the union's stance against the proposed changes, and the Nevada Republican Party has also voiced its backing for the police, indicating a broader political dimension to the ongoing dispute over the NFL's credentialing policies.