LAS VEGAS (AP) - Las Vegas police are beginning a search to replace a $42 million communications system that has drawn complaints about performance since it debuted in 2010.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported the department's fiscal board on Monday approved paying Macro Corp. up to $130,000 to consult in building a radio system to replace Desert Sky.

Assistant Sheriff Joseph Lombardo says the department needs a third party to evaluate and assist the project.

The newspaper last month reported the department wanted to replace Harris Corp.'s Desert Sky digital voice communication system with a P25 system.

The P25 is seen as more reliable, and the federal standard for law enforcement agencies.

A contract with the Washington, D.C.-based law firm Levine Blaszak Block & Boothby is for up to $50,000.

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