Metro Police once again responding to noninjury wrecks

By Kailyn Brown

Published Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016 | 10:55 a.m.

Updated Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016 | 12:27 p.m.

Metro Police said today they are once again responding to all traffic wrecks, reversing a nearly two-year policy of sending officers only to injury accidents.

Metro officially made the change this month, although officers have been responding to all accidents on a trial basis for the last couple months, officials said.

Metro altered its policy in March 2014, saying it did not have the resources to respond to every fender bender. The decision to go back to the old policy comes after the Clark County Commission in September approved increasing the sales tax from 8.1 to 8.15 percent to pay for more police officers.

Although officers are now responding to noninjury accidents, drivers should call 311 for wrecks that don’t involve an emergency, officials said. Drivers should move their cars out of the road, if possible.

If there is minor damage, officers will make a traffic report. If there is major damage or injuries, police will conduct an investigation.

Drivers also still have the option of handling minor crashes on their own by exchanging information, officials said.