Officer whose physical confrontation with student tarnishes CCSD Police reputation is promoted
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In the Clark County School District Police Department (CCSDPD), Lt. Jason Elfberg finds himself in the centre of a contentious issue. Initially slated to oversee the training bureau, investigations, and evidence starting from July 1, 2025[1][2], Elfberg's appointment was met with significant community backlash and media scrutiny.
The controversy surrounding Elfberg can be traced back to a 2023 incident near Durango High School, where he was captured on camera slamming a student to the ground and kneeling on his back[1][2]. This incident led to a $1 million settlement being approved by the CCSD Board of Trustees for the families of the two students involved[1][2]. Despite this, Elfberg was not charged or disciplined for the incident[5].
The community's reaction to his appointment was strongly negative, with groups like the Las Vegas chapter of the NAACP calling for the resignation of CCSDPD Chief Mike Blackeye, citing a breach of trust and questioning the safety of students if Elfberg's behaviour becomes the standard for training[1]. The ACLU also became involved, representing the teens in the altercation and filing a lawsuit for the release of body-worn camera footage[2].
The incident raises urgent questions about leadership, integrity, and values at the highest levels of CCSDPD, as it involves more than just one officer and a system that tolerates violence against children. The reflection of the culture within CCSDPD is deeply troubling, as it appears to tolerate, protect, and even promote violence against children who question authority[8].
The goal of the training culture that Blackeye was hoping to build by elevating Elfberg is questioned, as it appears to be authoritarianism rather than compassion, professionalism, and calm under pressure[9]. If Blackeye cannot or will not explain his belief that Elfberg was fit to train the next generation of school police officers, he is no longer fit to lead[3].
The Police Officers Association continues to defend Elfberg, but his lack of accountability and justice for his conduct related to the Durango High School incident is not proof of his excellence[6]. The community demands answers from Blackeye regarding his decision to promote Elfberg, and a full, public explanation is expected[7].
It is important to note that none of the students engaged in any threatening, aggressive, dangerous, or illegal activity during the incident[10]. The decision to promote Elfberg was reversed after an internal document was leaked to News 3 Las Vegas, highlighting the poor judgment and lack of accountability within the department[4]. However, no disciplinary action was taken against Elfberg, and there was no change in the department's use-of-force policy[5].
This episode serves as a reminder of the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and a culture shift within CCSDPD. The behaviour captured in the body camera footage shows Elfberg creating chaos, making questionable statements, and asserting his authority rather than understanding the law or serving the community[2]. The culture of dishonesty and cover-up surrounding Elfberg is also concerning[2].
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for CCSDPD to prioritise the safety and well-being of its students, and for the community to hold its leaders accountable for their actions and decisions.
References: 1. News 3 Las Vegas 2. Las Vegas Review-Journal 3. Las Vegas Sun 4. Las Vegas Review-Journal 5. Las Vegas Review-Journal 6. Las Vegas Review-Journal 7. Las Vegas Sun 8. Las Vegas Review-Journal 9. Las Vegas Sun 10. Las Vegas Review-Journal
- Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding Lt. Jason Elfberg's appointment in the Clark County School District Police Department (CCSDPD), debates about leadership, integrity, and values in the department have extended beyond the local 'general-news' to national 'news' platforms, raising questions about education-and-self-development and crime-and-justice issues.
- The Las Vegas chapter of the NAACP, the ACLU, and various community groups have become deeply involved in the controversy, calling for the resignation of CCSDPD Chief Mike Blackeye and questioning the safety of students, escalating the issue from a local incident to a critical political matter.
- With the recent leaked internal document highlighting poor judgment and lack of accountability within the CCSDPD, crime-and-justice advocacy groups and civic organizations are increasingly demanding transparency, accountability, and a culture shift to prioritize the safety and well-being of students, a topic of widespread interest among the 'education-and-self-development' and 'politics' communities.
