'Our numbers are hurting': Nevada continues to struggle with trooper vacancies

Glenn Puit, Las Vegas Review-Journal on Apr 20, 2026

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The rising cost of living along with spikes in health insurance and retirement plan costs are blunting Nevada’s attempts to recruit and retain state troopers, a police union leader said.

Dan Gordon is president of the Nevada Police Union, which represents state troopers, parole and probation officers and others across Nevada.

He said that despite a 23 percent raise implemented by Nevada lawmakers for troopers in 2023, the vacancy rate remains at roughly 50% for those assigned to patrol the Silver State’s highways.

“The general public clearly knows there are very few troopers out on the road and that our staffing numbers are hurting,” Gordon said. “It’s easy to see it because people experience it. They see the cars flying by them well over the speed limit.”

Gordon said the Nevada Department of Public Safety is doing its best to recruit and, according to the department, progress is being made.

A recent academy graduation brought in 20 new cadets, with 18 assigned to the Highway Patrol division, “helping to strengthen staffing on Nevada’s roadways,” said Kim Yoko Smith, public information officer for Nevada State Police. “Although law enforcement recruitment remains competitive nationwide, the Nevada State Police are taking deliberate, sustained action to grow the workforce and maintain a strong, visible presence in the communities we serve.”

Smith said the department has implemented a multi-layered recruitment strategy, including a partnership with an external firm, All Star Talent, and the launch of a statewide 2026 recruitment campaign supported by grant funding.

The department has also implemented a “critical fill” program, which is proving effective in hiring recently retired law enforcement officers from across the country. These efforts are aimed at expanding candidate outreach and strengthening the pipeline for future academies.

Troopers coming out of the academy start with a salary of about $64,000 or $81,000, depending on whether they elect to pay their retirement contribution from their gross pay or through a deduction in their hourly wage, according to a 2024 compensation schedule.

Comparing law enforcement salaries from agency to agency can be tricky: the trooper pay appears on the surface to be in line with other salaries at other policing agencies in the valley. For example, the city of North Las Vegas lists its entry police officer compensation from $69,000 to up to $121,000. Compensation for lateral hires for the city are from $80,000 to $121,000.

The problem, Gordon said, is that Nevada’s required contributions to the Public Employees Retirement System, or PERS, are higher than other law enforcement agencies. Some agencies cover the entire contribution for cops, Gordon said.

“The PERS board recently raised the contribution rate by 8.7%,” Gordon said. “So, that’s 4.35% to the employee. So we saw a 4.35% decrease in our take home pay.”

Gordon said health insurance premiums for troopers are also scheduled to increase starting July 1. Depending on what insurance plan troopers pick, they could be looking at a monthly insurance premium increase of more than $300.

Gov. Joe Lombardo’s office said in an email the state is continuing to work on the problem.

“The Governor’s Office is actively supporting the Nevada State Police to address staffing challenges,” Lombardo said. “While most divisions are making great strides in hiring and retaining personnel, the Nevada Highway Patrol still has room to grow.”

Lombardo’s office said recruiting and retention efforts are supported by the governor’s office with the end goal of “maintaining a strong, visible police presence in every community across Nevada.”

Nevada State Senate Minority Leader Robin Titus, R-Wellington, said she is concerned.

“Areas in rural Nevada are not covered and if they are, there is limited backup,” Titus said.

She said troopers are frequently courted away to other agencies because of location and better pay, adding that troopers are very concerned about the increase in cost of insurance.

Asked what the solution to the problem is, Titus said “one key component would be competitive salaries and benefits.”

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