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Monday, March 18, 2013 | 2 a.m.
Another view?
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In response to Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak’s proposed ordinance to abolish the Las Vegas Township constable’s office, I have several concerns.
First, when a private organization has leadership issues, a change of leadership can and usually does solve most of the issues. For many years, the constable’s office has done an outstanding job of serving our community’s needs in numerous ways, without being cast in the negative spotlight or costing the taxpayers money.
Its services are essential for our organization and the community as a whole. Constables perform many duties, as well as serving many types of legal notices such as evictions, liens, garnishments, summons and subpoenas, just to name a few. Don’t forget the abandoned vehicles that would otherwise litter our neighborhoods, or the revenue generated by the “Fair Share” program.
Second, who would do all of the things that the constable’s office currently handles, at no expense to the taxpayer? Certainly the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is already stretched to the breaking point, so to add anything to its already overburdened workload would bring the process to a halt, not to mention increase already high response times to calls for service.
So, before we make any changes, perhaps we should consider what needs to be done with an elected official who cannot perform the job for which he was elected. (Steven Brooks comes to mind.)
The author is general manager of the Siegel Suites Tropicana.
All the duties described and performed by constables can be done by sheriff's deputies. Most of which can either be part time workers, volunteers and/or both and come under the direct leadership and management of the police department.
Carmine D
In reply to Sharon Peterson;
It would not be either fair or appropriate of me to dispute your claims about the worthiness of the Constables Office. However, when it comes to our views on the Constables Office, we are at opposite ends of the spectrum. I see this office as seriously unregulated, unrestricted, unsupervised, and lacking appropriate law enforcement training and peace officer certifications.
I can see now all the comments coming in from current, former and or retired law enforcement officers criticizing my position on the Constable's issue as not being loyal and faithful to my fellow officers. Please, don't make me choke. I'll acquaint you with the "Hansen Rule".
In this legal forum, Nevada state law mandates that Constables shall be certified peace officers to remain in office. But, know the fine print. Here is the kicker. This same state law also says "or some nebulous legal point in between".
The Nevada Supreme Court reversed the 8th District Court by stating elected Constables (but not their deputies) were exempt from the provisions of NRS 289.550, the primary statute establishing peace officer standards.
There you have it. In my opinion, this is precisely what gives Nevada's "good ole boys" a free pass to do what they want and not be held accountable. The scariest part is, they carry both a badge and a gun.
To the Clark County Commissioners; please, save us from the likes of Las Vegas Constable John Bonaventura and abolish this agency.
To those who believe the Constables work cannot be done effectively and efficiently without this status quo intact, look at the school crossing guards. Gee what a surprise; they are doing a great job. They save the taxpayer bundles. And they carry no badges, no guns, and have no drama.