SHERIFF: Norris interaction a failure

As a Kootenai County resident with a long career in law enforcement I am very interested in who our elected sheriff is. This position is in many ways critical to the effective governing of our county. With that perspective I have been following the campaign. I have read and talked with witnesses of several interactions with Sheriff Norris and watched interviews that all give me serious concerns about his character and suitability as sheriff.

So last week I attended a ‘Coffee with the Sheriff’ that was held at a coffee house in Spirit Lake. Interestingly, there was a significant presence of uniformed department employees. Otherwise, about 10 or 12 people, including representatives of the press. Sheriff Norris conducted himself consistent with much of what I had heard. He interrupted people whenever he didn’t want to hear what they wanted to say, and most egregiously suggested to a citizen who inquired about human trafficking that if he saw some, he should make the arrest himself and then call law enforcement.

He then expounded at some length about citizen arrest laws in our state. I was astounded that someone in his position would suggest such a thing. I have law enforcement experience with human trafficking investigations and arrest. It is by nature organized crime. I believe it is highly irresponsible of him to encourage citizens to take on such a potentially dangerous arrest, and a very strange way to answer a simple question. The Sheriff was also asked which he thought was more important, experience or character. He replied they were equal. In my experience character is far more important, which he doesn’t seem to understand.

MARK LEWIS

Bayview