BLM proposes change in DUI rules

Thursday, May 6, 2004 | 9:53 a.m.

The Bureau of Land Management in Nevada has proposed a change in its rules to allow federal law enforcement officers to enforce drug and alcohol regulations on public lands.

Current BLM rules require federal officers to call local law enforcement authorities to handle DUIs or possession of alcohol by minors, BLM spokesman Richard Brown said.

"We want to be cooperative with local agencies, rather than tax them," Brown said.

Sometimes it takes long time periods before local officers can reach an area such as in the mountains of Red Rock Canyon Natural Conservation area, he said. "We're concerned about public safety," Brown said.

The goal of the proposed rules is to help the Bureau of Land Management reduce illegal use of alcohol and drugs on public lands.

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