Gated communities tie hands of police

Friday, March 21, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A bill allowing police to arrest drunken driving suspects in gated communities and to clamp down on inebriated boaters was unanimously approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Metro Police Lt. James Chaney said officers are discouraged because they can't pick up drunken drivers in gated communities in Southern Nevada.

In one case, a construction worker used to pack liquor in with him to the job in a gated community, drinking while he worked. He caused an accident, but police could not charge him. In another case, a resident of the gated community would go to the clubhouse and drink heavily, and when he was involved in an accident, no charges could be brought, Chaney said.

"Assembly Bill 243 will go a long way in alleviating the frustration of officers," Chaney said.

Assemblyman Brian Sandoval, R-Reno, said there were also several accidents in gated communities in Washoe County and the law was unclear on the arrest powers of police.

In addition, Sandoval, the sponsor of the bill, said the bill requires a boater to take a chemical test if he are she is suspected of being under the influence of drugs or liquor in a first offense. At present, he said, boaters can refuse the test.

The bill also requires that a person, stopped for drunken driving, can be required to take a blood test if a death or serious injury is involved or if this could be the second offense in seven years.

There was no testimony in opposition to the bill, which will come up for a vote on the floor of the Assembly next week.