Legislator to take look at state law

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 1999 | 11:54 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The proposal to break up Metro has prompted Assembly Majority Leader Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, to look at whether state law should be changed.

Perkins, a captain in the Henderson Police Department, said Tuesday the 1973 Legislature authorized the original consolidation of the Las Vegas and Clark County police units. "But even though this is a creature of the Legislature, they don't have to come to the Legislature to deconsolidate."

He said there may have to be "some legislative oversight before something of this magnitude" is done, he said.

Some Las Vegas officials have suggested pulling out of the consolidated department and creating a city police force. An unreleased city study, leaked to the media by City Councilman Michael McDonald, reportedly says the city could save up to $15 million. It would take a vote of the majority of the Las Vegas City Council to withdraw.

"We've got 26 years of history and growth in the Metro Police Department," Perkins said. "We should take a careful view of this." Any split will not only affect the city and county but other governmental units in Southern Nevada.

Metro has ties with other police agencies in Southern Nevada, Perkins pointed out, adding that there are budget problems as well. The budget of the combined department is bigger than most local governments in Nevada. He said a breakup could "change the revenue stream" on distribution of tax money.

In addition, he said, Washoe County is now talking about combining with the Reno Police Department into a single agency.

The Legislature doesn't meet until February 2001, and the deconsolidation could be accomplished before that. If the City Council votes to deconsolidate, it could go into effect when the next fiscal year begins in July 2000.

"For one group to get cross ways with another and pull out ... there needs to be more study," he said.

"The implications are more far reaching than just the two," Perkins said.