School police chief Garcia earns certification

Wednesday, May 25, 2005 | 9:44 a.m.

After just three months on the job, Clark County School Police Chief Hector Garcia has completed the state-required certification process for law enforcement officers, something his predecessor failed to do during a four-year tenure.

On his first day on the job Feb. 14, Garcia pledged to make earning his certification from the Nevada Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training a top priority.

"I'm proud to say I followed through on that goal," Garcia said Tuesday.

Elliot Phelps was fired as school police chief in October after district officials learned he had spent four years on the job without having received his POST certification, as required by both the terms of his employment and state statute.

Following Phelps' firing, George Ann Rice, associate superintendent of human resources, took over responsibility for ensuring the next school police chief met all of the state and district's requirements in a timely fashion. Garcia was given four months from his hiring date to finish the task.

"We are delighted Chief Garcia has met all of the requirements a month ahead of time," Rice said.

Tim Bunting, deputy director of POST, confirmed that Garcia had passed the final exam and was a certified peace officer. In addition to a written exam Garcia had to complete a physical agility test and also demonstrate his ability with firearms.

Because he was already certified in Florida, Garcia was eligible for an 80-hour intensive course designed to bring law enforcement personnel from other states up to speed on Nevada's laws, Bunting said.