Handicapped parking ticket program facing delays

Monday, Nov. 17, 1997 | 2:51 a.m.

Lt. Stan Olsen said Las Vegas police are too busy to start the program.

"We have so many growth issues going now that it has to take a back street," said Olsen, the police department's legislative lobbyist.

Under a law that went into effect Oct. 1, police departments can train volunteers to enforce handicapped parking laws.

Assemblyman Mark Manendo, D-Las Vegas, sponsored the law in response to complaints from disabled people that they cannot find parking spaces near businesses.

Manendo said he is disappointed the program will not start because the idea was to train volunteers so police would have more time to investigate serious crime.

"I don't know why it is such a big deal for them to implement it," Manendo said. "Other states are doing it."

Olsen, however, said Manendo knew the department could not start the program immediately.

The law mandates police to teach volunteers on parking polices and how to avoid confrontations with people whose cars are ticketed. Volunteers likely will wear T-shirts identifying them as volunteer parking enforcers.

Manendo, whose father is disabled, said he notices handicapped spaces taken up every day by cars without handicapped plates or window placards.

"This takes away their independence," he said. "It is a big issue for them."

Many people have contacted him about serving as parking volunteers. He said it is important they receive identifying attire and proper training, but does not think the training program should last more than a day.