By Jim McCoy

I am very honored to know Sergeant Alexander Cuevas. When we first met several years back, I knew this was a person grounded in humanity and compassion, who really loves his community and family. Our paths cross often, reuniting with each other at community or civic events, always with a smile, a big hug, and a general sense of gratitude for our positions within the Las Vegas Queer community.

We are pleased that Sgt. Alex has agreed to share some of his insight into the world he lives in with Las Vegas PRIDE magazine. In these times of uncertainty, it is reassuring to have someone like Sgt. Alex making a difference every day for everyone!

Sergeant Alexander Cuevas

In the modern chaos of the world today, what is your motivation as a member of the Queer community and also law enforcement?

My motivation has always been about service to others. I’ve served with the North Las Vegas Police Department since July of 2016, after moving from Southern California at 19. I set a goal to build a career that would allow me to help people on their worst days. Before putting on a uniform, I started in the aquatics field as a lifeguard, swim instructor, coach, and CPR trainer. Those early times taught me how quickly situations can change and how important it is to stay calm. I had to communicate clearly and take care of people in front of me.

Throughout my time with NLVPD, I’ve been fortunate to serve in many roles (patrol officer, Public Information Officer, reserve recruiter, union representative, and Field Training Officer). In late 2025, I was promoted to Detective and shortly after to Sergeant. Each role has shaped how I lead and how I approach everyone in the community.

Being part of the LGBT community while also serving in law enforcement has been an interesting journey. Early on, I’ll be honest…it wasn’t always easy to share what I did for a living in every space. There were moments when I was hesitant or concerned, and because of that, I often chose to build rapport first. I wanted people to know me as a person before they saw the badge. Being honest about who I loved, however, was equally challenging within the law enforcement community.

Over time, I’ve found that approach matters. When you lead with authenticity and respect, conversations tend to open naturally. Today, what motivates me most is the opportunity to be someone who shows that professionalism, compassion, and accountability can exist together. If my presence helps even a few people feel more comfortable engaging or asking questions, then I know I’m moving in the right direction.

There have to be some situations that you believe to be the single most difficult situation you have ever encountered. Likewise, for the most rewarding. Can you share some insight?

One of the hardest parts of this career isn’t always the moment of crisis…it’s what comes after. I’ve seen firsthand how critical incidents can affect officers and their families. The physical injuries, the emotional toll, the strain on loved ones…those impacts can be felt for years.

That reality is a big part of why my work with the Injured Police Officers Fund means so much to me. I previously served as Secretary and was honored to be elected President in January 2025. Through IPOF, we focus on supporting officers injured in the line of duty and making sure their families aren’t left to navigate difficult situations alone.

The most rewarding moments are often the quiet ones. When a family realizes someone is in their corner, when an injured officer connects with resources they didn’t know existed, or when we can ease just a small piece of the burden they’re carrying. Those moments remind me why both the badge and the nonprofit work matter.

Law enforcement has a somewhat unstable relationship with parts of the Queer community, especially the Trans community. What are you doing, and what can we do as a community to improve this?

I think the honest answer is that trust… on either side… takes time and consistency. There are histories, perceptions, and real experiences that shape how people feel. I don’t believe there’s a single fix, but I do believe progress happens through steady, respectful engagement.

During my time as Public Information Officer, communication became a major focus. In high-profile or high-stress situations, how we communicate matters as much as what we do. I’ve tried to carry that same mindset into supervision. Focusing on professionalism, respect, and treating every person with dignity.

Personally, my experience navigating both worlds has revealed something simple: relationships come first. When people can interact outside of policing moments, like community events, conversations, or outreach, it humanizes everyone involved.

From the law enforcement side, we must maintain professionalism and remain open to listening. From the community side, continued dialogue and willingness to engage also help move things forward. Real trust isn’t built overnight…it’s built through repeated, positive interactions over time. It’s not often that police are called to a BBQ or to go for a walk.

At the end of the day, if I’m in uniform or working through the IPOF, my approach is consistent. I show up, communicate honestly, and support people when they need it most.

This profession has allowed me to serve in ways I’m so proud of, and the nonprofit work has shown me just how powerful it is when people come together to support one another. My goal is to continue bridging gaps, supporting injured officers and their families, and leading with professionalism and empathy. That’s when I know I’m at my most effective. I’d love to see everyone achieve their best work and foster strong communication in all communities.

Sergeant Alexander Cuevas is an active member of the North Las Vegas Police Department.

Sergeant Alexander Cuevas P#2480
North Las Vegas Police Department
IPOF President & Honor Guard Extraordinaire

This article was originally published in the 2026 Women & LGBTQIA+ Visibility Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.