Post Falls adds employee protections
Courtesy photo
POST FALLS — An ordinance that allows people to be charged for interfering with government work was approved by the Post Falls City Council on Tuesday.
The measure allows the city to file misdemeanor charges against individuals for harassment, abuse or using or threatening to use violence, force or physical interference or obstacle.
Police Chief Greg McLean said the proposed ordinance came out of an incident where threats were made against a snowplow driver in 2022.
“These are a few examples of what seems to be an increasing issue ... that city staff is subject to being abused by individuals that feel that they are entitled to verbally abuse them, threaten them and hinder them from doing their jobs,” McLean said.
McLean said the ordinance provides more ways to deter city employees from being threatened or harassed because of the nature of their work.
“City staff is put in the unique situation to have to encounter the same person over and over and over again in the commission of their duties,” City Councilor Joe Malloy said.
Councilor Samantha Steigleder questioned the ordinance. She said the wording seemed to give extra protection to the staff over citizens.
“You can’t block traffic in the middle of Seltice Way by laying down, you’ll be removed for that and potentially be tried with something,” Steigleder said.
She stated there would already be a charge if a resident chose to destroy locks or other property.
Prosecutor Eileen McGovern noted that the ordinance would only cover duties that are vital to the administration of the community.
“Laying down in front of a snowplow is functionally distinct with laying down in front of your neighbor’s car for that reason. You’re interfering with a bigger process,” McGovern said.
Steigleder countered that she did not consider one street being delayed for plowing equivalent to the entire city not being plowed.
“We can’t make people be nice with an ordinance,” Steigleder said.
The ordinance was approved with one vote no from Steigleder.