Las Vegas Metro Police Announce Stay Safe Training Program for Sexual Assault Prevention

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is launching their Stay Safe training program to encourage fellow law enforcement agencies and industry workers to adopt procedures for sexual assault prevention. This program was created with input from Las Vegas nightclubs, casinos, and instructors here at TAM of Nevada. Check out this preview video from LVMPD.

We’ve included highlights of the Stay Safe training program in our alcohol awareness training. Hospitality professionals are on the front line interacting with guests. That means they can play a part in helping to spot risky interactions. This awareness training teaches workers how to approach different situations, and what to watch for.  TAM training already gives these workers the edge in providing excellent customers service and safe beverage service. Stay Safe is a natural extension of that.

Are you interested in learning more about this program? Contact Las Vegas Metro PD for more information.

Service Industry Tips: Expect the Unexpected and Rise to the Occasion

restaurant or barSeasoned Managers and Beverage Service Professionals know that the service industry is well suited for high-energy individuals who excel under pressure and can face challenges head on. Nightclub & Bar recently released an article titled, “Damage Control: Dealing with the Unexpected,” and we here at TAM® of Nevada wholeheartedly agree with their suggestions for working through unexpected difficulties at bar and restaurant establishments. You can read the full article here, and check out a few more suggestions for TAM® Card holders that we’d add to the list:

  1. Make sure your staff is properly trained in safe beverage service. Not only is alcohol awareness training mandatory for all sales, service and security staff in Southern Nevada, it also keeps your patrons safe, and reduces risk and liability for your business. TAM® of Nevada is the go-to choice for your staff’s alcohol awareness training and provides the most comprehensive and engaging classes available.
  2. Make sure your bar is properly stocked and staffed. Nothing can spell disaster faster than a poorly stocked bar or restaurant. Having to let your patrons know that you’re unable to mix their favorite beverage, or that the list of specials has unexpectedly shrunk can disappoint your guests, and reduce your sales for the night. Make sure to check your inventory regularly, and make sure your staff is aware of stock policies and procedures.
  3. Expect the unexpected, and be prepared to take control in the event of any issues. Service professionals know that establishments can face all sorts of issues: everything from staffing issues to unexpected weather events, power outages, freezers on the fritz, and more. When troubles arise, keep cool and form a plan for how to proceed.

The ability to work through unexpected challenges is one of the most desirable qualities of a Beverage Service Professional. What other tips about handling challenges would you add to the list?

Resources

© 2014 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Casino Security – A New TV Show to Profile Vegas Cheaters

Do you work in security at a Las Vegas casino property? It may not always be as glamorous as an Ocean’s Eleven plotline, but casino security and surveillance in Las Vegas is a serious business. As a security guard, one has to be aware of their surroundings at all times. The job at hand is to maintain the safety and security of the staff and patrons of an establishment, and to diffuse any potentially hazardous or disruptive situation before it can happen. The job can present some unique challenges on the casino floor.

Every year gamblers come to Vegas to try their luck, and a small number of them come with the intentions of cheating the system. There is a new documentary series titled “Cheating Vegas” set to premier on Sunday on the Destination America cable channel which will detail how these cheaters try to gain an advantage, and what casinos are doing to stop them. Sunday’s premiere episode will showcase the impressive security features inside the Aria resort. Are you planning to tune in?

And remember, Nevada law specifies that security professionals in Clark County must obtain a TAM® Card prior to the start of work. It’s not just cheaters and thieves that need to be managed in a casino setting; security professional needs to be on the lookout for disruptive patrons, rowdy drunks, and even dishonest employees. To learn more about what to watch out for if you work in security or are considering a career as a security professional, read our blog post, “Casino Security – Suspicious Activity to Watch For.”

What types of scams or suspicious behavior have you witnessed while working as a security guard? What tips would you give to someone looking to work as a security professional in Las Vegas?

Resources

© 2012 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Attempted Robbery Foiled at the Bellagio

Jackie Valley of the Las Vegas Sun recently wrote an article outlining an attempted robbery at the Bellagio Casino last Saturday night. Two men entered the casino on Saturday evening and proceeded to the table games area. Both men were disguised with wigs and sunglasses, and attempted to use pepper spray to disable a dealer and other gamblers, and make off with over $100,000 in casino chips. Needless to say, the robbery attempt was foiled by Bellagio employees, security guards stepped in, and one alleged robber was arrested, the other is still at large. According to Metro Police, there is an ongoing investigation into the events of the evening and any other suspects involved. To read more about the events of the evening, check out the article, “Police: Bellagio Employees Foil Robbery on Casino Floor.”

As you may remember, the Bellagio was also the site of another infamous attempted robbery back in 2010 which was outlined in our blog post, “Are You Concerned About Recent Rash of Casino Robberies?” These events should serve as a reminder to casino employees and hospitality workers to always remain vigilant on the job and report any suspicious behavior to a manager or supervisor. As a security guard or casino floor employee, one has to be aware of their surroundings at all times. The job at hand is to maintain the safety and security of the staff and patrons of an establishment, and to diffuse any potentially hazardous or disruptive situation before it can happen. However, one should also be aware that it’s not just cheaters and thieves that need to be managed in a casino setting; security professional needs to be on the lookout for disruptive patrons, rowdy drunks, and even dishonest employees. Casino and hospitality professionals should refer to both their TAM® training and any additional company policies as they relate to guest safety and security.

What types of scams or suspicious behavior have you witnessed while working as a security guard? What, if anything, do you think casinos could be doing more to stop this from happening again in the future?

Resources

© 2012 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada