Judge halts plan to lay off North Las Vegas police officers

By Aida Ahmed

Friday, July 1, 2011 | 4:13 p.m.

A District Court judge on Friday halted, at least temporarily, the impending layoffs of almost 40 North Las Vegas Police officers.

The 90-day injunction was in response to the city’s plan to reduce its police force to shore up its dire financial situation.

Dozens of union officers received pink slips last month. Layoffs officially were to begin today, but the North Las Vegas Police Officers Association sued the city, asking a judge to intervene. The case has been in front of District Judge Nancy Allf, who today issued the preliminary injunction.

Talks between the union and the city regarding the dispute are expected. Police Officers Association President Mike Yarter said today the judge’s decision is in the best interest of the city.

“I think it’s not only great for the officers and their families but for citizens of North Las Vegas who pay for these officers,” he said.

After layoff notifications were made in late June, the union posted signs around the city warning citizens that officers could no longer guarantee their safety.

Many residents voiced concerns about the signs at a special City Council meeting Thursday. Some feared the signs would attract criminals and scare away possible new residents. Others claimed the signs weren’t properly placed and have blown into the street, potentially causing accidents.

Yarter said he is ready to sit down with the City Council to discuss options, but added that he doesn’t think the signs should be taken down yet.

“We still need to have that message out there for the council,” Yarter said. “The judge was concerned about the impact the layoffs would have on North Las Vegas residents, not the council.”

North Las Vegas officials weren’t immediately available for comment.