NORRIS: By the book

In reference to the traffic stop conducted by KCSO involving our Sheriff, Bob Norris, what I saw was a textbook example of how a routine traffic stop can turn into something much more serious very quickly.

While the anonymous individual had every right to film, he was obviously looking for a confrontation. His language was foul and his tone aggressive. Why the stop was made was NONE OF HIS BUSINESS.

The radio cars were marked, both the Sheriff and the deputy were in uniform and in the process of doing their job. So, the questions asked were neither necessary or appropriate.

Sheriff Norris gave the man a lawful order to back up. Had the man not done so, the Sheriff would have had every right to pepper spray him and arrest him for obstruction. This was quite simply a matter of officer safety.

LAURA TOLIN

Rathdrum