Last year much of Valley was in an uproar over the decision for Metro police to stop responding to minor accident scenes. This policy created some confusion and worry, but starting January 1, 2016 things will change.
Earlier this month the Clark County Commission approved an increase in sales tax, taking it from 8.1% to 8.15% (that equals an increase of $0.05 per $100 spent). The so-called “More Cops” tax will go into effect the start of next year and allow for dozens of new officers at local police departments in the area.
Sheriff Joe Lombardo is applauding the move. He had promised to have officers begin responding to accident scenes again. He hopes by July of next year they will be back to responding to all accidents they receive a call for.
The tax increase is expected to generate about $14.6 million a year for Metro. That’s enough to hire 133 additional officers and hopefully put many drivers’s minds at ease.
What do you think of this move? Will the presence of police officers at fender benders help to improve the safety of our roadways? Shout it out in the comments below.
Zachariah B. Parry is an attorney and founding partner at the law firm H & P and is an adjunct professor who teaches torts, contracts, and Nevada practice and procedure for UNLV’s paralegal program. He can be reached at 702-912-4451.
