LAS VEGAS -- Metro's controversial use of deadly force will undergo a six-month review, but it won't be done by federal authorities -- a decision has outraged local civil rights groups.
The decision by the Department of Justice was outlined in a two page letter sent to both the ACLU and the NAACP earlier this week. The civil rights groups call the decision "unacceptable" and "irresponsible."
In 2011, Metro was involved in 17 shootings. Twelve were fatal, including a case in December where officers shot and killed unarmed veteran Stanley Gibson while he sat in his car.
"We don't need a best practice to tell us what's right to do in this community," said Richard Boulware with the NAACP.
Meeting with reporters today, civil rights leaders said they are outraged with the DOJ's decision not to conduct a federal investigation into Metro's use of force in light of a number of recent controversial shootings.
Instead, the police department will be subjected to a six month review by a community policing service group called COPS.
"This is nothing, not any type of enforcement, any type of required change. This is nothing other than delay to have reform within Metro," said Boulware.
According to the letter sent to the ACLU and the NAACP, the COPS review will make necessary recommendations and give training to officers within Metro on issues related to deadly force. But unlike a civil rights investigation, it can not mandate reforms.
"Something is rotten here," said Dane Claussen with the ACLU. "Nobody ever gets fired."
Civil rights leaders said Sheriff Doug Gillespie has the authority to make changes now without waiting for the federal government to step in -- things like imposing more appropriate discipline for officers to better recruitment and training.
"We need an independent monitor. We need accountability. This best practice review is not going to do any of that. We know what the problems are, we need reforms now," said Boulware.
Metro declined to comment for this story, saying they cannot comment on pending the DOJ's reviews. The reviews are set to take about six months and it could still lead to a federal investigation.
