In the wake of the 1 October shooting MGM Resorts announced a new program to step up security.
They're planning to create essentially a private SWAT team that would be trained to intercepts possible active shooters or terror attacks before police could arrive.
MGM released the following statement explaining the decision
As we have said repeatedly, MGM Resorts’ security procedures are always improving and evolving, leveraging the benefits we are able to utilize as part of a large organization with a broad reach. MGM developed an Emergency Response Team (“ERT”) Program as part of our commitment to continuous improvement of daily operations and to assess and address security risks. Our specialized ERT Program is designed to provide highly skilled and focused support to our talented property security teams. The ERT Program is an ongoing effort that is being implemented incrementally at our properties.
MGM has hired several experts to help get the plan underway. That group includes at least five retired Metro SWAT officers with decades of experience, a former Navy terrorism expert, and a former Marine sergeant.
Retired investigator Doug Poppa tells 13 Action News it's a step in the right direction.
"This is something that should have been done years ago, I can't fault them for that, they're doing it now," he says.
Poppa says he worked security on the Strip in the past and resorts were sometimes hesitant to add to their budgets.
He now sees added security as a necessity.
Steve Wynn says he already had hidden metal detectors and terrorism experts in place well before 1 October – now experts believe other major companies will follow suit.
