Statement
For many years, the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, Civilian Employees (LVPPACE) has provided representation for LVMPD’s civilian workforce. For much of that time, this representation was fair, responsible, and effective. Unfortunately, in recent years, a small group within the Board and Executive Board has shifted the organization away from transparency and accountability.
A faction — including Carla Scott (now retired), Bobbie West (her chosen successor), Shirley Visger (appointed by West), General Counsel John Harper, Vice President Michelle Kmetz, and others — has acted primarily to protect their own financial benefits and exemptions from normal departmental responsibilities. These individuals work without set hours, appear insulated from policy violations, and receive more than $10,000 per year funded by civilian employees’ dues.
Their priority has become preserving their positions rather than protecting the rights and interests of civilian employees. As a result, a series of harmful decisions have been made that place the organization’s leadership above its members.
This page explains why, beginning March 1st, it is in your best interest to leave LVPPACE behind and support the creation of a transparent, accountable alternative.
NRS Violations
The Officers, Directors and the attorney of LVPPACE have repeatedly violated Nevada law in their efforts to retain control of the organization.
Carla Scott misused thousands of dollars in members’ dues for personal gain. Although not prosecuted, she is believed to be repaying funds following her retirement.
Robert Beck was unlawfully removed from LVPPACE in violation of NRS 288 and NRS 88 after informing members of financial misconduct.
Shane Sayles was removed — despite being retired — in violation of NRS 88 for raising the same concerns.
Under the direction of John Harper, LVPPACE has repeatedly violated NRS 88 by denying members the right to inspect financial records.
By-Law Violations
Several recent actions directly violate LVPPACE’s own governing documents.
Officers refused to hold multiple special meetings requested in writing by members, in violation of By-Law 15.2.
Officers imposed new requirements, including confidentiality agreements for Directors, designed to conceal misconduct and circumvent By-Law 20.
Numerous Directors and Officers were appointed or allowed to run for office without meeting minimum service requirements, violating By-Law 14.
Officers withheld the annual budget from the membership at the July meeting, violating By-Law 11.5.
Jessica Nygard was appointed to the Board without notifying members, despite a permanent conflict of interest prohibited by By-Law 7.5.UPDATE We would like to point out that after we launched this page, Mrs. Nygard was removed by the LVPPACE Board. We find it quite troubling that the Officers of LVPPACE have asked you to accept that this was their ignorance or incompetence as opposed to their willful disregard to the By-Laws. How many times are they going to call themselves a "new board" and pretend like they don't know what they're doing? John Harper has been the LVPPACE attorney longer than all the Board Directors and Officers have served combined... what's his excuse?
Ethical Violations
While not all misconduct is illegal, much of it is clearly unethical.
Officers closed the LVPPACE office on Wednesdays — without Board approval and against members’ wishes — leaving members without representation.
Officers now refuse to hold in-person meetings, allowing only audio sessions to avoid facing members asking about misconduct.
John Harper has openly stated that LVPPACE’s By-Laws are “not binding” and need not be followed. Harper also stated "the members do not run this Association."
Other Reasons
Additional serious concerns demonstrate why change is necessary.
LVPPACE delayed removing Robert Beck and Shane Sayles until after the March 2025 drop period, intentionally preventing members from withdrawing during that time.
The restricted drop period is used to trap members and prevent them from leaving freely. In 2025, Bobbie West stated, “I don’t care how many Members drop,” showing disregard for member interests.
Officers have been accumulating “off the books” compensatory time on weekends and taking time off during the week, further reducing responsiveness.
Member Events - Remember those? The office has refused to hold a members event in a year. Why? It's too much work for them. They don't think you deserve it, so they stopped holding them. They even cut the budget for member events, to increase the lawyer's budget.
Conclusion
For these reasons — legal, procedural, ethical, and practical — LVPPACE no longer provides the representation civilian employees deserve. Members can send a clear message by refusing to fund misconduct. When dues stop flowing, LVPPACE must choose between reforming or continuing down the same path and risking financial collapse.
You deserve representation that is transparent, competent, and accountable. For only $10/month, you can gain legal protection and support while saving nearly $550 per year compared to LVPPACE dues.
You do NOT need to drop LVPPACE in order to subscribe. Joining is your choice, and you remain free to drop LVPPACE during the March drop period if you wish.