Metro, Highway Patrol swapping jobs

The Nevada Highway Patrol and Metro Police will be swapping portions of their traffic and investigative responsibilities beginning next week in a county-wide jurisdictional reorganization that more logically suits each agency's strengths.

The plans essentially call for NHP to assume control over area state routes as well as freeways and their underpasses and overpasses to the nearest intersecting surface streets, according to Trooper Scott Flabi.

Metro will become responsible for patrolling the Strip, Paradise Road, Boulder Highway and Tropicana Avenue -- among the valley's most frequently congested roadways that at peak traffic times can be more easily accessed by the police department's bicycle teams, motorcycle officers and mounted patrol units, authorities said.

Sheriff Jerry Keller and NHP Deputy Chief Dan Hammack said they recognized the Las Vegas Valley's current jurisdictional assignments -- put into place 50 years ago -- are no longer efficient today. The new responsibilities go into effect March 1.

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