Training halted at academy once certified by constable
The law enforcement academy that began with Las Vegas Constable John Bonaventura’s blessing no longer is certified, putting a class of 13 cadets in the middle of training in jeopardy.
Bonaventura ended his office’s role in the certification on Aug. 7, two days after the resignation of Jason Watkins, his former deputy chief operating officer, who also has run the academy.
In his resignation letter, Watkins cited the office’s “drama and constant cannibal- ism” as the reasons for his departure.
A spokesman for Bonaventura called Watkins “a liar.”
The constable’s office has seen its share of controversy. Clark County commissioners in March abolished the office, which will cease to exist in January 2015, when Bonaventura’s term expires.
The academy dust-up is among various conflicts involving the office since Bonaventura’s 2010 election. Other instances include a deputy missing a body in a residence, lawsuits from former staffers and allegations of sexual harassment.
This situation affects the future of ca- dets with hopes of training for a law enforcement career.
The constable’s office didn’t give a reason for ending its certification when it notified the Nevada Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, said Tim Bunting, deputy director of the state’s POST agency.
Bunting said the constable’s office went through the right channels to withdraw, adding, “It is unusual that they shut down an academy in the middle of an academy.”
Their sidewalk scribbles were critical of Metro’s use of force, but amounted to constitutionally protected speech.
Whether making the right call is enough to stave off the obvious litigation potential surrounding the incident is another question.
RODEO TRIPPED: There won’t be any horse roping in Southern Nevada, but that also means there won’t be a Mexican rodeo, either.
The cancellation of the Mexican charreria rodeo event last week at the Clark County Commission was an obvious victory for animal rights activists, but it raises an interesting question about the future of events that could be dangerous to animals. It’s hard to imagine a similar protest over the National Finals Rodeo winning the day before those same commissioners, who appreciate the importance of the December event to the local economy.
Although South Point officials downplayed the hit the host casino and hotel were taking with the cancellation, they were wise enough to realize the last thing they wanted to be associated with was a controversial event involving animals.
WILDCATS UNITE: Graduates of historic Las Vegas High are set to celebrate another reunion Sept. 7 at The Orleans. The grads not only get together to drink legally, but they also donate $10,000 in scholarships to the high school.
The deadline to reserve a table was Wednesday, but just tell Patty Haack the dog ate your homework. She will understand and may be reached at 8766660 or at lvowl@aol.com.
FOREVER SPRING: The end of summer is here, but I have it on good authority spring will come again. Why?
Because the beloved Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully has announced he will return to the booth for the 2014 season. At 85, Scully can still bring it with the best of them.
From my seat in the bleachers, the voice of spring and summer belongs to Scully.
ON THE BOULEVARD: If he can keep his life together, former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson looks like a natural as a fight promoter in an era when the sweet science is being eclipsed by the popularity of mixed martial arts.