Public safety highlights in gov’s budget

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Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003 | 2:20 a.m.

Highlights of the $453.7 million in general fund spending for public safety programs in Gov. Kenny Guinn's 2003-2005 budget proposal.

-TRANSITIONAL FACILITY: The Department of Corrections will open a transitional facility at Casa Grande, in southern Nevada, for 200 inmates close to parole in October, 2003. The population of the facility will increase by 236 inmates a year later.

-STAFF CUTS: Although the Department of Corrections is expecting an increase in inmate populations over the next biennium, the department is cutting staff by 105 people, including 90 security staff and 73 correctional officers. The Division of Parole and Probation will reduce staff by 18 positions.

-DRUG COURTS: The governor recommends $1.1 million in funding to continue the Drug Court Program in the 2nd and 8th Judicial Districts.

-NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF INVESTIGATIONS: Guinn proposes eliminating the Nevada Division of Investigations, discontinuing state criminal investigations in major population centers and cutting 21 positions. Local agencies would assume the responsibilities.

-NARCOTICS TASK FORCE: The governor proposes eliminating the Narcotics Task Force and eliminating 18 positions.

-FIRE MARSHAL: About $2.9 million in general fund resources would go to the state Fire Marshal's Office to help handle services mandated by state legislators.