Las Vegas Police Sergeant to Address Deadliest Mass Shooting Response at Security Event

Bellevue University, one of the nation’s leaders in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, will welcome Captain Patricia Spencer of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, as keynote for “The State of Security in the Heartland and Beyond” event on Friday, Oct. 26. The event, which is being co-sponsored by Bellevue University and the Sarpy County Sheriff’s office, will be held on the Bellevue University campus in the Hitchcock Humanities Center, 1040 Bruin Blvd., in Bellevue.

Captain Spencer, a 24-year police officer veteran, will share a firsthand account of the Las Vegas Police Department’s response to the mass shooting that occurred Oct. 1, 2017, when a gunman opened fire on a crowd of concertgoers at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on the Las Vegas Strip, leaving 58 people dead and more than 900 people injured. Captain Spencer’s presentation will explain the response by the Las Vegas Police and Fire & Medical departments, as well as challenges that the first responders faced, including distraction calls, unique crime scene challenges, and employee wellness after the incident.

According to Bellevue University Director of Security Greg Allen, the annual conference is an opportunity for area security professionals and law enforcement professionals to learn crisis situations that occur and how they can address them. “Bellevue University is committed to educating area security professionals,” he said, “and this year’s event is a great opportunity to hear firsthand from a law enforcement professional whose team faced an unprecedented threat situation.”

Bellevue University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in security management. Both degree programs prepare students for public and private sector roles involving anti-terrorism, homeland defense, information protection and critical infrastructure.

Captain Spencer’s keynote at The State of Security in the Heartland and Beyond conference is exclusively offered this year to law enforcement and security professionals. The event will run from 9-11 a.m., with doors opening at 8 a.m. Space is limited so attendees are encouraged to pre-register online for the free event. Free parking is available in Parking Lot B, adjacent to the Humanities Center.