Washoe sheriff new chief of DMV

Friday, March 10, 2000 | 10:27 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The trouble-plagued state Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety is getting a new boss: Washoe County Sheriff Richard Kirkland.

Gov. Kenny Guinn Thursday announced Kirkland's appointment to the $92,914 a year job.

Kirkland will take over the job May 31, replacing John Drew, who has been acting director for about 15 months. Drew reverts back to head of the Nevada Division of Investigations in the department.

The agency was bombarded with criticism last year after it installed a new computerized vehicle registration system that resulted in long lines and delayed service.

Guinn had to ask the Legislative Interim Finance Committee for permission to hire an additional 57 workers to solve some of the problems.

Agency officials say they will have the lines reduced to a wait of one hour or less in April, when it brings on line new programs to allow renewal of registrations and driver's licenses over the Internet or by telephone. Motorists in Clark and Washoe counties will also be able to renew their registration when getting their cars smog checked.

Kirkland said he has already started looking for ways to improve service. He plans to have recommendations for short-term solutions within six weeks after he assumes the job. He said he will have recommendations for long-term solutions within 90 days.

Kirkland said customer service has improved.

"However, it is not yet at a level that is acceptable to the governor, me, or the people of Nevada," Kirkland said.

Guinn said Kirkland "through his organizational and management skills as well as his outstanding leadership abilities, has made the Washoe County Sheriff's Department one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the country."

In his new job, Kirkland will have authority over such diverse agencies as emergency management, fire marshal, the Nevada Highway Patrol, traffic safety, Parole and Probation Department, motor vehicle registration and driver's licenses.

Kirkland has lived 42 years in Washoe County. He worked his way up from patrolman to chief of police in Reno before being elected sheriff, a job that pays $78,000 a year.

He said it was difficult to leave the sheriff's office, but the governor "has given me a tremendous opportunity to make a difference for our entire state."

Cy Ryan covers state government for the Sun. He can be reached at (775) 687-5032.