Editorial
There have been unprecedented attacks on the idea of enforcing laws via armed police forces across the county, including here in Idaho where the Office of County Sheriff is routinely under scrutiny.
In Idaho, a full-frontal assault on the sheriff’s office is mostly counterproductive, so the attacks come in a more underhanded way—targeted underfunding, a never-ending parade of civil lawsuits, votes of no-confidence, politically backed criminal investigations, attempts to institute state control, and malignment by independent podcasters and op-eds published by corporate press.
The Idaho Constitution establishes the office of sheriff. Article 18, Section 6 of the Idaho Constitution, along with state statutes (Idaho Code §31-2001 and §31-2003), affirms that the sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of each county and is elected to a four-year term by the people.
According to Idaho Code §34-618, there are only three statutory requirement to hold office as a sheriff—be at least 21-years of age, be a citizen of the U.S., and reside in the county at least one year.
While newly elected sheriffs are given a tutorial on current Idaho statutes and attend informative meetings given by the Idaho Sheriff’s Associations, there are no additional educational, certification, or law enforcement experience requirements mandated by state law, and this is what some who do not like the political independence of the sheriff’s office are trying to change.
If Idaho required a sheriff to hold a certification from the Idaho State Police (ISP) via its Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy, such a requirement would mean that ISP—under the direct command of the Idaho Governor—would be able to control an independent, constitutionally-established elected officer.
The primary duty of sheriffs in Idaho is to enforce all penal provisions and statutes of the state. This includes:
- Preserving the peace and arresting individuals who commit public offenses.
- Preventing and suppressing breaches of the peace, riots, and insurrections.
- Attending all courts within the county and obeying lawful court orders.
- Commanding the aid of county inhabitants when necessary.
- Taking charge of the county jail and prisoners.
- Serving legal process and notices, and certifying service.
- Investigating missing children cases promptly.
- Collaborating with the Idaho State Police on traffic enforcement, livestock theft prevention, and highway safety.
- Issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards in coordination with the Idaho Transportation Department.
Additionally, Idaho Code §31-2227 declares that the sheriff and prosecuting attorney are the primary enforcers of penal laws in each county, superseding other local law enforcement agencies in that role. This gives the sheriff broad authority to act independently and even deputize citizens when necessary. In Kootenai County, this authority has been directly attacked by the City of Coeur d’Alene Deputy Prosecutor Ryan Hunter, as well as Rathdrum Police Chief Dan Haley, who gave sworn testimony during the prosecution of Paul Trouette. In Shoshone County, this authority has been questioned by police chiefs hired by city mayors.
Given the importance and broad authority of the office, Kootenai Journal encourages all citizens to know their elected sheriff. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris regularly schedules events to directly interact with the community, please take time to attend one or two this year.
