LAS VEGAS -- The pressure is on, now more than ever, to do a better job reviewing why police officers used deadly force.
The federal Justice Department's report on Metro Police officer-involved shootings could forever change what happens in the investigation after a suspect is killed.
The report reveals that 35 percent of the time officer-involved shootings happen on domestic disturbance calls.
After police use their guns to kill, the Clark County coroner's inquest process is "ineffective," according to the report.
When facing danger on duty, a police officer makes a split-second decision to pull the trigger, but the consequences last a lifetime.
The Justice Department report said the county needs to change how police shootings are reviewed.
County Commissioner Steve Sisolak said the coroner's inquest process -- on hold because of legal challenges -- needs an overhaul.
"It is ineffective, and it's not working," he said.
Of the families who have had loved ones killed by police officers, Sisolak said they are having to wait a long time for answers.
"They don't have closure, which is really important, but in fairness, it's to both sides," Sisolak said. "The officers have to live with this for a couple of years too, and their families, while these are all outstanding situations."
The report found Metro "should re-establish a specialized group of investigators designated to conduct comprehensive (officer-involved shooting) investigations, in conjunction with the district attorney's office, that are legal in nature. These investigators should undergo specialized training."
District Attorney Steve Wolfson said a new review process could be coming if commissioners do away with the coroner's inquest.
"I think it's a report that's going to cause improvement to our community," Wolfson said. "I've talked to the sheriff about having an alternative process: Some sort of process where we make a public presentation of what happened on any given day."
No matter what format county leaders choose, Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie said openness is key after a shooting.
"What I think we need to do is build on the processes that we have to make as transparent, that we possibly can, why it is we did what we did under the circumstances," Gillespie said.
The report also blamed tactical errors, like trouble with radio communications, the way officers approach and coordinate dangerous situations, and identifying problems with the way officers use firearms.
The Las Vegas Police Protective Association called a media conference for Monday morning to react to the report.
