SPD plan garners fans, opponents
SANDPOINT — Some tempers flared while others merely sizzled, but on the whole, the tone was civil at the Sandpoint Police Department community meeting Thursday night.
The police department held the meeting to get the public’s input on its long-range strategic plan. After releasing the plan’s current draft to the public, they invited suggestions for revisions and additions to help law enforcement modify their service around Sandpoint’s needs.
“We want to know where police service is strong and what could be improved,” Councilman Stephen Snedden said. “We’re interested in what you have to say.”
The primary concern expressed throughout the evening involved police harassment. More than half the comments voiced either accused the police force of profiling and unprovoked traffic stops or defended the department against such allegations.
Several community members said that they were hesitant to go downtown and have a drink for fear that they might be pulled over regardless of their driving quality. Residents mentioned that worry over law enforcement was killing downtown business and driving youth out of town.
“I think there needs to be some adjustment of protocol,” Sandpoint resident Rod Crawford said. “There are just way too many stories of harassment out there. Unless there’s probable cause, police need to back off.”
Others defended the police department, mentioning that they worked a dangerous job and faced preconceived public suspicion. Former mayor Ray Miller suggested that the Sandpoint police held excellent records of crime prevention, and it was important to preserve that status.
“I would caution that you not too hastily fix what may not be broken,” he said.
Although concerns and responses regarding police harassment occupied the majority of the evening, several individuals offered other suggestions. They included the formation of a crisis intervention team to handle issues involving mental health and establishing a neighborhood watch to calm recent worries about sexual predators. Members of Bonner County’s educational community suggested revising the current draft of the strategic plan, adding more measurable data and trimming the existing 12 goals to a more manageable five or less.
Community officials were pleased overall with the meeting’s results. Chief of Police R. Mark Lockwood said that the comments were helpful and would aid in focusing their strategic plan.
“We called the meeting seeking input directed toward the plan, and I think some people focused on their personal problems with the department,” he said. “But overall, I think we had good quality comments.”