COPS: Room for improvement

My family has lived in Kootenai County since 1965. We have seen many changes in those years. I moved away for a while, but recently moved back. I am abhorred by the Coeur d’Alene Police Department and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department.

Do these departments have no training? I am talking about two particular incidents.

The first incident has to do with the shooting of a black Lab. I am sorry, but anyone 10 years or older knows the difference between a pit bull and a black Lab. Did the officer think that by saying it was a pit bull he shot it was going to make the shooting OK? All pit bull dogs are not vicious and do not attack people.

Chief Clark called it a tragedy and it was. But putting the officer on desk duty does not excuse him for the lies he told. We are taught to respect the police. How can we do that when they lie to cover their butts?

The second incident has to do with the two young men who were harassed by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department regarding “nickel sack” and “Nickelback.” Why are these officers using profanity to talk to these young people? Yes, the incident was a misunderstanding, but again these officers are not showing professionalism by using profanity. Was the officer “allegedly” pulling his weapon necessary?

Is our police department and the sheriff’s department giving these officers the training that is needed before they are put on our streets? In my opinion, I don’t think so. And if this is the case then maybe we need to have a Chief of Police and a Sheriff with the experience to know that the officers on their forces are not adequately trained and to ensure that the officers are trained properly.

TERRY MCKERNAN

Coeur d’Alene