A sheriff in the Idaho Panhandle has a piece of advice for visitors from neighboring Washington who may be headed into his county for the July 4 holiday weekend or beyond: “Don’t come to Kootenai County on vacation, and leave on probation.”
In a letter posted on Facebook, Kootenai County Sheriff Robert B. Norris not only advised Evergreen State pot smokers and users of other controlled substances, he took a swipe at Washington in general.
“This message is clear,” Sheriff Norris wrote, “if one chooses to possess controlled substances, or engage in any criminal behavior, Seattle, Spokane and the entire state of Washington is a wonderful place to enjoy July 4th celebrations.”
The letter is already garnering some reaction from people on both sides of the issue. Many are offering support, but a few have exhibited a far different attitude. One woman wrote, “I guess to enjoy celebrating in Idaho, you have to be a Nazi in a U-haul these days.” However, her opinion was clearly in the minority.
Sheriff Norris also reminded Washingtonians, “Fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, are serious felonies in Idaho and one will go to jail or prison. Marijuana is also against the law and is prohibited. Unlike Washington, Idaho law does not restrict Kootenai County Law Enforcement from enforcing the law and taking violators directly to the Kootenai County ‘Bed and Breakfast,’ our county jail.”
Kootenai County borders Washington’s Spokane County. It encompasses most of Coeur d’Alene Lake, the cities of Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, Hayden Lake and more.
The letter is co-signed by Sheriff’s Lt. Zachary Sifford. It closes, “Attention Idaho Legislature: Provide local option taxing authority to the County Board of Commissioners to fund Sheriff Public Safety Operations. Stop placing the burden on property owners, they are low users of Law Enforcement services,” which appears to be a message to Gem State lawmakers in Boise.
