North Las Vegas police continue their old tricks of harassing
and lying to open carriers. On Facebook, a citizen reported that he was pulled
over by NLVPD. The officer gave him a warning, telling him that it was illegal to
have a round chambered in his revolver.
This is not true. Only long-guns (rifles, shotguns) must not
have a round in the chamber in a vehicle (NRS 503.165).
As our readers know, no local
laws regarding firearms, except unsafe discharge, can be made or enforced
by any local authority. Only the legislature can make such laws.
The City of North Las Vegas ordinance the officer mentioned
was referring to was repealed this fall. So the officer was derelict in his
duty for not knowing the law or is simply a liar.
With the widespread reporting of SB 175/240 doing away with ‘blue
cards’ and enhancing local preemption, no local police officer should be
ignorant of the law, and all patrol officers likely sat through a briefing and even probably saw an
email or two on the subject.
North Las Vegas has a nasty reputation for unlawfully harassing
armed citizens, particularly armed minorities. Despite assurances from the chief
of police and such measures as SB 175/240, officers continue to lie, harass
citizens, abuse their authority, and engage in misconduct. Granted, it is not
as widespread in years past or something that an armed citizen needs to worry
about, but it still does happen. North Las Vegas police have absolutely no
excuse for lying to citizens or not knowing the correct laws.
So what can you do? If this happens to you, be sure to get
the officer’s name and identification number. It’s recommended that you record
your encounter as well. If the officer gives erroneous information, harasses or
threatens you, or outright lies about the law, file a citizen’s complaint
against the officer. If you are cited or arrested, contact an attorney. The
city can face enhanced civil penalties for violating state preemption laws.
Please also contact Nevada
Carry.
In the mean time, I urge all my readers to contact the chief
of police and the city council to let them know this behavior will not be
tolerated and of the need to educate and discipline their employees.
Chief Alexander Perez (pereza@cityofnorthlasvegas.com)
City Council
Past articles:
North Vegas Police Still Discriminates Against Open Carriers
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