Will Sandpoint keep its legacy of neighborliness?

I’m a fourth generation Sandpoint native. I believe that police officers are decent. I called the Sandpoint Police Department on Jan. 29 to file a complaint and was connected to the captain. He assured me that my concerns were valid.

I was walking my dog on Lakeview, avoiding the street as we headed toward Memorial Field. My dog and I stick to the side of the street to avoid traffic. As we approached the park, an officer approached us. He asked if we lived at the address we had just passed. We had an arduous exchange. “Why are you letting your dog poop and not picking it up?” “My dog didn’t poop.” “I saw it squatting in my mirror.” “She didn’t poop. I would’ve picked it up.” “Do you have your ID?” “I don’t carry my ID when I walk my dog.” We went on for a few minutes. He asked for my legal name before he backed up the street. He said, “I didn’t find any evidence.” I explained I chose to stick to the edge of my friendly neighbors’ yards. He said, “Don’t worry. I won’t give you a ticket.” 

The captain agreed that I should not have been approached without cause. A lovely morning was disturbed by a protector of peace. We continued our walk, but the feeling lingered. I’m grateful for the department’s care, yet concerned for the officers it hires. 

As Sandpoint hangs in the transition from one generation to the next, will it uphold the legacy it’s nurtured? We’re considerate and neighborly and I hope to see my officers, my neighbors, my friends, and the community continue that way.

ANGELA CORDES

Sandpoint