KCSO: No change to reservation policy

COEUR d'ALENE — The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office on Friday said its policy remains the same regarding calls for service on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation.

"KCSO has a very strong and supportive relationship with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and all of the residents on the reservation," a press release said.

Lt. Zachary Sifford said several questions have recently arisen within the community as to the response of the KCSO to calls for service on the reservation. 

He said nothing has changed.

Sifford said when a resident calls KCSO dispatch requesting law enforcement to respond, the dispatcher will confirm if the caller is in fact a tribal or non-tribal member. 

If the caller is not a tribal member and just wants the fastest officer, it will likely be the Tribal Police. Sifford said if the caller specifically requests a KCSO deputy handle the call, KCSO "will absolutely be en route and handle the call. The reason for this is the Tribal Police are much closer and normally our deputies are in the areas that have a higher call volume."

If the caller is a tribal member, Tribal Police will handle the call. KCSO will be available to help, but the primary jurisdiction is the Tribal Police, Sifford said.

He said KCSO is cross deputized with the Tribal Police and the Tribal Police are cross deputized with KCSO.

Sifford said the most important factor is that public safety is not a concern for residents on the reservation. 

"We have a great relationship with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Tribal Police and our community," Sifford said. "We will continue to work alongside the Tribal Police and serve and protect the residents of Kootenai County."