LOOKING IN ON: SUBURBS

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007 | 7:01 a.m.

It has been seven weeks since North Las Vegas Police Chief Mark Paresi was fired or relieved of his duties or suspended - or however city officials want to phrase the fact that he is no longer the top lawman.

Why he lost his position is still unclear.

Fifty-one days after Paresi was placed on leave, the City Council addressed the issue at its meeting last week. That was only after the topic was brought up during a public comment period.

Who initiated the conversation at the meeting?

A resident named Dick Sadler, who serves on the city's civil service board. He said he knows several North Las Vegas officers who would make splendid chiefs.

Mayor Mike Montandon responded that he wasn't being told anything he did not know.

City Manager Gregory Rose said input on a new chief would be taken from a lot of people. However, nobody has said when a new chief will be named.

What is going on with the former chief?

Paresi, whose salary was $160,000 last year, is still on the city payroll. Officially, the city is saying nothing else.

Sources have said the city is trying to negotiate a severance package.

He was placed on paid leave Oct. 29 following a meeting with other city officials. He had been chief since he was hired from the Portland Police Bureau in Oregon in 2002.

Why was he relieved of his duties?

Many people have asked the question. But city leaders cite personnel laws and refuse to publicly discuss the reason for Paresi's removal.

When the tape recorders are off, however, many have said internal strife and police union dissatisfaction led to the move. Many in the department were said to have been upset that Paresi hired high-ranking officers from out of town rather than promoting from within.

Department sources have said an officer from Portland was supposed to begin working in North Las Vegas on the same day Paresi was relieved. That officer quit when he learned of Paresi's situation, sources said.

What now?

The city has hired California-based recruiting firm Bob Murray and Associates to conduct a search for a new police chief. That company has listed the position on its Web site. The job is not listed on the city's Web site.

A widespread search will certainly upset the police union, which will push for an internal hire.

At the meeting, Councilman William Robinson said he preferred to promote someone in the department.

Assistant Police Chief Joe Chronister is serving as acting chief.