CCSDPD union responds ahead of Durango High School student incident video release
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – The Clark County School District Police Department Union is speaking out ahead of the release of bodycam footage of a use-of-force incident involving a student.
The union representing school police officers stated that the case “highlights the dangers of jumping to conclusion.”
On Dec. 18, 2023, a district court judge ordered CCSD to release six body cameras from the incident that happened on Feb 9, 2023, at Durango High School.
A school police officer was captured on cell phone video and appeared to take a student to the ground.
In a statement provided to 8 News Now, the Police Officers Association of the Clark County School District (CCSDPOA) says, “The video actually shows that Lieutenant [Jason] Elfberg defused what could have been a very volatile and dangerous situation for both the officers and the involved students.”
According to CCSDPD, officers were conducting “enhanced patrols at Durango” after reports that a student “brandished a firearm” and threatened to “shoot up” a school near the high school.
“Viewers will see that after Lieutenant Elfberg brought that situation under control, he was very courteous and professional to both the students and a parent who attempted to get involved,” CCSDPOA’s statement further stated.
According to court records, Clark County District Court Judge Danielle Chio filed an order dated on Dec. 18 giving CCSD 30 days to release the video with redactions.
However, in a statement, CCSD tells 8 News Now: “In the ACLU v. CCSD matter, consistent with the entry of the Court’s order on December 19, 2023, the Clark County School District will produce the materials required by the Court’s order on Thursday, January 18, 2024.”
Lt. Elfberg wasn’t disciplined for the actions he took, according to court documents.
Below is the full statement CCSDPOA General Counsel Adam Levine sent to 8 News Now:
I had the privilege and honor of representing Lieutenant Elfberg in the investigation into the events at Durango High School. In connection therewith, I had the opportunity to review the body-worn camera video.
The video actually shows that Lieutenant Elfberg defused what could have been a very volatile and dangerous situation for both the officers and the involved students. Viewers will see that after Lieutenant Elfberg brought that situation under control, he was very courteous and professional to both the students and a parent who attempted to get involved. This case highlights the dangers of jumping to a wrong conclusion based upon snippets of video viewed out of context. That is exactly what persons and entities, whose have interests other than the safety of our students, have done in connection with this incident.
The Police Officers Association stands behind the actions of Lieutenant Elfberg and all of the other hard-working officers of the Clark County School District Police Department who dedicate every day to keep the students and staff of the District safe.
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