Police Services

The FY 2021 includes $90,000 of carryover funds from FY 2020 for the purchase of three police vehicles. The vehicles were ordered in late 2019 but delivery and outfit has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 budget includes replacement of one vehicle.

Position changes from the prior year include a restructuring an administrative support/receptionist position to a third community resource officer. This will provide increased community engagement and police presence in line with strategic priorities as established by the City Council. The community resource officers respond to low priority calls, including animals, parking violations and code enforcement. In addition, they function in a community liaison capacity supporting outreach efforts to the public and businesses in the downtown core.

The training budget contemplates 3 officers attending the 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Academy. All of the officers are currently CIT certified with the exception of one new hire whose training was cancelled due to COVID. Two officers are certified in another state but will attend the Idaho CIT program this year. In addition, the two office staff will attend a mental health first aid training course.

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Academy is a 40-hour training program for law enforcement officers and first responders that includes basic training on mental illnesses, the local mental health system, crisis de-escalation, local resources and laws. Officers learn first-hand from consumers and their families verbal de-escalation skills which are practiced through role-playing activities.

Advanced training programs also provided regularly and expected to be continued in 2021 include crowd management and response, critical incidents, communication courses, emotional survival, ethics, de-escalation, use-of-force (verbal, hand cuffing and less lethal force - impact tools, taser, bean bags), legal updates, supervision training liabilities and City-wide employee annual training programs on discrimination, harassment and retaliation.