Thank you, Coeur d’Alene Police Department.

Some Coeur d'Alene residents may not welcome increased traffic enforcement across the city. We do.

In the hands of an overzealous police force, aggressive enforcement could raise concerns. But that has not been our experience with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department. Its officers consistently perform their duties professionally, fairly and effectively.

The Press reported Friday that grant-funded traffic enforcement efforts resulted in 390 additional citations during fiscal year 2026 beyond what would normally be issued through routine patrol operations. 

Those citations covered common violations such as speeding, failure to stop and distracted driving. The latter, particularly cell phone use behind the wheel, remains one of the most persistent problems on local roads. Despite the well-documented dangers, too many drivers still struggle to put their phones away while driving. Perhaps a citation will provide the needed encouragement.

Coeur d’Alene has long supported its police department, and for good reason. It is a well-funded, well-trained and well-managed agency that has benefited from strong leadership under former Police Chief Lee White and current Chief Greg Yeager. 

The city’s declining crime rates over the years are no accident. They reflect a proactive approach to policing and a visible presence throughout the community. Good policing doesn't just involve headline-grabbing arrests or drug busts. It involves the incidents we never hear about, but add up to a community where we don't have to worry if we leave a door unlocked.

Whether in neighborhoods, downtown or along major arterials, police officers are regularly seen on patrol. That visibility, in patrol cars, on foot or on bikes, matters. It reassures residents, deters criminal activity and helps maintain public order. Coeur d’Alene has earned a reputation as a city where criminal behavior is less likely to be tolerated, and that reputation serves the community well.

Police spokesperson Jared Reneau noted that traffic violations continue to increase as the city grows and roadways become more congested. That reality makes safe driving more important than ever.

“Anything that distracts you from paying attention to what’s going on contributes to things that are unsafe or can contribute to crashes,” Reneau said. “The more people we have in Coeur d’Alene, the busier the roads are, the less time you have to react. If you’re splitting that already with being distracted with a cell phone, it’s going to make the streets that much less safe.”

Police do not receive a king's ransom for what they do. We ask a great deal of our police officers. They respond to everything from minor neighborhood complaints to serious crimes, traffic accidents and, most recently, two shootings near East Sherman Avenue. The job can be unpredictable and dangerous. Anyone who believes we don't need such a strong police presence would be wrong.

Traffic citations are just part of the many duties of police officers. They are not about targeting drivers. They protect lives and keep streets safer.

For that alone, Coeur d’Alene’s police officers deserve our thanks.