Vegas starts enforcing ban on homeless camping

LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas authorities on Saturday started enforcing a rule that makes it illegal to camp or sleep in public or residential areas if there are beds available at the five locally established homeless shelters.

City marshals started to patrol parks and the Fremont Street Experience, and police officers have started patrolling residential areas and private properties looking for anyone in violation of the new law.

People who violate the regulation, which the Las Vegas City Council approved Nov. 6, are punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, but authorities say they don’t immediately expect to enforce those punishments.

Officers expect to direct people, and provide transportation if necessary, to shelters or the city-run Courtyard Homeless Resource Center.