Become a Guardian of Las Vegas: Join the Deputy City Marshal Team
When city of Las Vegas Deputy City Marshal Janelle Mazza puts on her uniform each day, she’s not just going to work—she’s answering a call. With three years of service under her belt, this calling has only grown stronger, and her enthusiasm for the job still burns as brightly as the city’s neon lights.
“I’m still very much in the honeymoon phase of my career,” Officer Mazza says with a smile. “I hope that never changes.”
Mazza’s zeal captures the spirit of the deputy city marshals, a vital component of Las Vegas law enforcement. Their innovative approach to community-oriented policing is carving out a unique niche in the city’s law enforcement landscape.
Now, as the city of Las Vegas Department of Public Safety gears up for its next recruitment drive, applicants have an opportunity to join a team that’s shaping the future of law enforcement in one of America’s most dynamic cities.
Policing with Purpose: The Marshal’s Edge
The deputy city marshals bring a fresh perspective to the Las Vegas law enforcement landscape. Rather than simply responding to incidents, they focus on preventing them—a proactive strategy that prioritizes community engagement. It’s this distinctive approach that Officer Mazza describes as their “special sauce.”
“While all officers in Southern Nevada receive similar training, what’s unique for us is the way we police and the jurisdiction we cover,” Mazza explains. “Typically, calls for service dictate an officer’s day. There’s a very high demand for police service in Las Vegas. An officer with Metro will often have 20, 30, sometimes 40, pending calls for service.”
But Las Vegas deputy city marshals do things a little differently. “When I start my shift, I don’t have a backlog of calls to respond to,” Mazza says. “Instead, I get to patrol the city’s properties, our parks, recreation centers and tourist corridors, like Fremont Street and the 18b Las Vegas Arts District. As marshals, we get to proactively look for ways to prevent crime.”
This approach allows the marshals to address issues that directly impact community well-being. “We’re laser-focused on the specific behaviors that can greatly degrade a community,” Officer Mazza says. “Ultimately, our goal is to improve people’s ability to live, work and play in Las Vegas.”
The Pulse of the City: A Marshal’s Daily Mission
Deputy city marshals juggle a wide range of duties and functions in their daily work. From enforcing traffic laws and making arrests to serving warrants and securing crime scenes, their duties reflect the full spectrum of urban law enforcement.
For deputy city marshals, no two days are the same. Whether patrolling bustling boulevards or attending a neighborhood watch meeting, marshals are actively engaged with the community they serve. “We focus on things that citizens often report to us directly,” Mazza explains, emphasizing the tight-knit nature of the city’s communities. “Las Vegas residents are really communicative. They voice their concerns to their public officials, the city council members, the mayor, through all different means.”
These concerns often revolve around quality-of-life issues that can impact community well-being. “Public drug use, vandalism, destruction of property — these are some of the challenges we work to address,” says Officer Mazza. By tackling these issues, deputy city marshals play a crucial role in maintaining the city’s safety and appeal, fostering positive relationships with residents and visitors alike.
Answering the Call: One Marshal’s Path to Service
Officer Mazza’s path to becoming a deputy city marshal illustrates the diversity of backgrounds that can lead to a career in law enforcement. Her journey began in 2020 when she found herself attending frequent planning and City Council meetings — part of her job as a property manager in the downtown Arts District.
“I was inspired by local business owners, community leaders, and even Mayor Carolyn Goodman. Their dedication to improving the city sparked something in me,” Officer Mazza recalls. “I felt called to be a part of the city in some way.”
Driven to make a tangible difference, Mazza set her sights on a career in public service. After researching various police agencies, she found herself drawn to the marshals’ unique approach.
“I resonated deeply with the distinction between the marshals and other police agencies,” Officer Mazza says. For dedicated marshals like Mazza and her colleagues, the job goes beyond enforcing laws; it’s about understanding the city’s rhythm, working hand-in-hand with residents and actively contributing to a safer, more vibrant Las Vegas.
Mind, Body, and Spirit: What it Takes to Wear the Badge
Earning the badge of a deputy city marshal involves rigorous training, comparable to other law enforcement agencies. “Our academies prepare us for the challenges we’ll face on the job,” says Officer Mazza matter-of-factly.
But behind Officer Mazza’s straightforward delivery lies a grueling reality: the marshals’ academy is physically demanding. “You’re going to be doing a lot of physical fitness—lots of push-ups and running,” Mazza warns with a chuckle.
The academic portion is equally challenging. “You’ll have to study, study, study. You have to learn the laws, the 400 codes. And you have to pass tests. If you don’t pass the tests, you don’t pass the academy,” she says.
Before tackling academy training, prospective deputy city marshals must first meet a set of foundational criteria. These qualifications include:
- Being at least 21 years old
- U.S. citizenship
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver’s license
- Clean criminal record
While meeting these basic requirements is just the first step, Officer Mazza emphasizes that it’s an applicant’s dedication and willingness to serve that truly sets them apart: “If you have a passion for proactive, community-driven policing that improves the lives of citizens in Las Vegas, the marshals is really where it’s at for you.”
Joining the Ranks: The Path Forward
For Officer Mazza, the rewards of her role extend far beyond the daily duties. “The cherry on top is the quality of life I have in this department. It’s something I didn’t think was possible in law enforcement. I couldn’t fathom being a police officer anywhere else,” she says with pride.
This satisfaction stems not only from the work itself but also from the department’s leadership. Mazza enthusiastically praises Chief Jason Potts: “Our chief is exceptional. Every time I see him, I think to myself, ‘Man, I get to work for this guy.’ I couldn’t be more grateful to work under his leadership.”
If you’re inspired by the unique approach of the deputy city marshals and are ready to make a difference in Las Vegas, now is your chance. The recruitment window for the August 2025 deputy city marshal applications are now open and close Dec. 31, 2024. To learn more about this exciting opportunity and to submit your application, visit the Las Vegas Department of Public Safety webpage. Join Officer Mazza and her colleagues by becoming a guardian of Las Vegas, and help write the next chapter in the city’s storied history.