The Senate has confirmed Col. Ralph Powell for another four-year term as director of the Idaho State Police, on a unanimous voice vote with no debate. Senate Judiciary Chair Patti Anne Lodge, R-Huston, praised Powell’s service and qualifications; that was followed by a quick voice vote.

Powell is the last of Gov. Butch Otter’s cabinet members to come before the Senate for confirmation for Otter’s third term. The long delay in his confirmation had suggested some concerns, given Powell’s role in the Corrections Corp. of America scandal, in which the CCA settled with the state for $1 million for understaffing and over-billing at Idaho’s largest prison. But there was no mention of that during this morning’s confirmation.

Questioned at an earlier Senate committee hearing, Powell said he decided not to launch a criminal investigation because the issue was likely a civil, not criminal matter; he said the law enforcement agency doesn't launch criminal investigations on timecard errors. However, he said that the agency now realizes that problem went much deeper; the FBI is now investigating.