Two officers in NHP investigation retire

Friday, Aug. 25, 2000 | 11:20 a.m.

The commander of the Nevada Highway Patrol office in Las Vegas and a captain, who were relieved of supervision duties during an allegation of a policy violation, have retired.

Col. Mike Hood said the two men, each with 28 years of service with the Highway Patrol, announced their retirements Monday. He added that the investigation of complaints of policy violations will be finished soon and it appears they are unfounded.

The complaint was made by a lieutenant about two weeks ago concerning to whom the patrol's commercial enforcement officers are to report. Hood said about two months ago he made a policy change having the commercial enforcement troopers reporting to a captain in Carson City to centralize the operation.

"I can't say for sure they retired because of the policy change, but it did cut 45 to 50 troopers out of their command," Hood said.

He added that the probe into the policy was administrative in nature and not criminal. He declined to release the names of the two men who retired.

The Highway Patrol's commercial enforcement inspects trucks to ensure they are mechanically safe to operate and are not overweight.