Las Vegas police may not work NFL games due to new facial recognition policy
The NFL’s new security measures, set to roll out leaguewide in 2024, are encountering resistance from a police union in Las Vegas, potentially resulting in officers opting out of working at Raiders games.
Steve Grammas, president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, is opposed to the NFL’s mandate requiring officers assigned to Allegiant Stadium to provide personal details—including their photographs—for security clearance.
“I’m sure if you’re like me, you don’t want to have biometric data in the hands of people that you don’t know,” Grammas stated in a video shared with union members earlier this month, which was reported by TMZ.
During an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Grammas expressed concern that photos of officers could be accessed by individuals with anti-police sentiments, who might then “target and harass officers just for doing their job.”
The NFL is extending a new credentialing system from six teams to all 32 teams this year, as reported by Sports Business Journal. This new protocol will utilize facial recognition technology to control access to secure locations, including the field, locker rooms, and press areas.
Grammas indicated his preference for a system that excludes police officers from the facial recognition requirement, suggesting they could simply be issued wristbands to allow access to their designated areas, as was previously done.
“The credentialing system will enhance security at our stadiums,” said NFL director of communications Tim Schlittner in a statement. “We look forward to collaborating with all parties to address any concerns or questions that arise.”
The league assured that personal data collected would only be used for the stated security purposes.
According to Grammas, while officers might choose to continue working at Raiders games, he would recommend they refrain from doing so if the facial recognition requirement becomes compulsory.