The 2023 Good Ticket Program by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Foundation announces the recognition of LVMPD Senior Crime Analysts Jeff Smith and Kristina Thomas as July’s Good Ticket award recipients. Smith and Thomas displayed professionalism, compassion, and resilience in the criminal investigation of fallen LVMPD Officer Truong Thai.
In October 2022, what started as a domestic misdemeanor tragically turned into Officer Truong Thai’s death by suspect Tyson Hampton who fired 18 shots. LVMPD Senior Crime Analysts Jeff Smith and Kristina Thomas were assigned the duties of researching, gathering, and analyzing the crime data of one of their own to be used in the criminal investigation.
The examination and gathering of evidence from Thai’s body required respect and thoroughness, knowing the analysts would provide factual and expert testimony and organize evidence for presentation in court. Smith and Thomas worked diligently to honor Officer Thai.
Officer Truong Thai will be posthumously honored at the 10th Annual Best of the Badge Gala on October 20, 2023.
The 2023 Good Ticket program continues to recognize officers monthly for their positive actions in the community. The Good Ticket program is sponsored by Resorts World Las Vegas, which donates staycations to program recipients, including accommodations and dining experiences, as well as hosting the monthly award ceremonies.
A program of the LVMPD Foundation, which raises funds to support and supplement LVMPD programs and initiatives, including officer training, new equipment, and positive community engagement activities, The Good Ticket is one of many programs designed to encourage support from the community for LVMPD.
