North Idaho has the highest crime rate in the state, eclipsing the more-urbanized Boise area, according to the state’s latest crime statistics. It’s a trend that’s been growing in recent years. The Boise area had a much higher crime rate than the Panhandle as recently as 2008, but since then, North Idaho’s rate has surged comparatively, even as the state’s overall crime rates have dropped.

“Our guys are working hard and they’re doing a good job, but it’s just trying to keep up is the hard part,” said Kootenai County Sheriff Ben Wolfinger, pictured above out on patrol. You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.