High-ranking NHP officers in Las Vegas investigated

Keith Paul

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2000 | 11:11 a.m.

A Nevada Highway Patrol lieutenant from Carson City is commanding the agency's Las Vegas office while allegations "that deal with policy of commercial enforcement" are investigated.

A major and two captains in Las Vegas have been reassigned to administrative duties and Lt. Rick Bradley is making command decisions during the investigation, said Col. Mike Hood, chief of the Highway Patrol. Bradley took command of the Las Vegas office Friday.

"We have allegations made by one of our lieutenants (in Las Vegas) against two captains and the (major). I have ordered a team of investigators from NDI (Nevada Division of Investigation) to look into the allegations," Hood said this morning.

Hood would not reveal what allegations were made, but said it had to do with policy issues. He said the allegations are not related to sexual harassment. The Highway Patrol is facing several sexual harassment and sexual discrimination lawsuits filed by some troopers in the Las Vegas office.

Hood said the major and two captains were not suspended and were at their desks today working. A third captain at the Las Vegas office was on vacation and is not accused in the allegations.

Hood would not release the names of the people involved in the investigation, saying it is a personnel matter.

Bradley reports to Hood, who said he wanted to place someone else in command of the Las Vegas office while allegations were investigated to ensure that no one felt any threat of retaliation.

"I don't see anybody getting suspended over this, but I do see some change in policies coming out of the investigation," Hood said.

The investigation into the allegations should take about five days, Hood said.