TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) —Law enforcement agencies across the nation are dealing with the struggle of hiring officers to fill open positions. The issue is one even some agencies here in Idaho are dealing with on a daily basis.
Jeff Lavey, who is the Executive Director of the Idaho Sheriff’s Association, said Idaho is not immune to the problems happening nationally. He said some of the bigger law enforcement departments across the state have upwards of 40 to 50 positions that need to be filled, whereas for some of the smaller departments it may be just a couple. But no matter how big or small the hole is, it puts a lot of stress on department heads.
“I have a county in Eastern Idaho where the sheriff just stepped down this week because he was the only one left.,” said Lavey. “Everyone had quit on him. He had one person in the academy and himself. That who was covering patrol.”
Additionally, he said part of the problem is the negative perception circling police officers nationally that, “law enforcement is bad” and “officers are being ambushed and targeted.” Lavey said law enforcement is supported well here in Idaho, but people are aware of the negative narrative in other places. He said when you combine that with the limited wages some departments can offer in a competitive job market, it makes...
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