County OKs tracking of inspectors

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, May 17, 2000 | 11:28 a.m.

A navigational tracking system that union representatives claimed was an example of big brother watching over Clark County building inspectors was approved Tuesday for a one-year period.

Clark County commissioners agreed to allow building administrators to purchase the $200,000 system and install a computer in each of the department's 120 vehicles, including those of department heads.

Members of the Service Employees International Union, which represents building department employees, argued earlier this month that the tracking devices would breed mistrust and hurt morale.

Ron Lynn, assistant building director, told board members that he met with union officials twice in the past two weeks and worked out their differences.

"I think that through discussions the union saw the value of the system and needed additional assurances that it would not be abused," Lynn said. "I wrote a policy that said this is to protect a valuable resource, and these are our intents."

Commission chairman Bruce Woodbury said the county will consider the navigational devices a pilot program and revisit the issue in one year.

Lynn said the computers keep track of mileage and speeds, but more important they allow supervisors to deliver messages to inspectors more efficiently. Since cell phones replaced radios, Lynn said the only way to contact a crew is to call one employee at a time. During emergencies, the method is too time-consuming.

Maryanne Dawicki, a union field representative, has said employees feared the systems could be used as evidence should an inspector be accused of wrongdoing. She could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Lynn confirmed that the system could be used to investigate complaints recorded by citizens. For example, he said, if a building employee is accused of speeding through a school zone the county could check the computer records.

"We did not waive the fact that if there is a legitimate complaint we can use it to research it," Lynn said.

Lynn said the staff will be trained on how to use the system and if employees believe supervisors are harassing them, they will call a meeting with union members and management.