Huckleberries Online

Overheard

Posted by DFO

March 9, 2009 9:53 a.m. • 9 comments

Around 6 o’clock Saturday evening, I’d just entered Super 1/Kathleen Avenue en route to rent “Madagascar II” when I heard a man behind me complaining loudly about the Coeur d’Alene Police Department. “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” the mid-thirtyish man told a female companion, as they grabbed a shopping cart. “I’ve been all around this country,” he continued, “and Coeur d’Alene police are the absolute worst, bar none.” I didn’t stick around to hear whether he explained his particular beef. But I disagree with him. Chief Wayne Longo at CPD Blue seems to run a good department, as did others before him.

Question: What do you think of the performance of your local police department (CPD Blue, PFPD Blue, KCSD, or other)?

Nine comments on this post so far. Add yours!

BrandonHansen on March 09 at 10:05 a.m.
Well at least the police are better than college basketball referees…

Brandon Hansen
Just South of North
www.justsouthofnorth.com
Cabbage Boy on March 09 at 10:09 a.m.
I have always been impressed by the friendliness and abilities of the CPD and sheriff’s office. Haven’t noticed any changes since Longo took over, but I haven’t had the “need” to talk my way out of a ticket either. :)

I worried Longo would bring the ISP attitude to the CDA Police that was thankfully absent. IMO, the ISP looks for reasons to pull people over and pile fines on them. The CDA police looks to promote safety and good will. They let drivers know they will be focusing on certain areas and look to keep speeds down in neighborhoods rather than setting speed traps to write tickets.
Dennis on March 09 at 11:54 a.m.
I don’t hold Idaho law enforcement in general in very high regard. CPD is the exception to the rule. Very good agency and exceptionally well trained officers.

Other Idaho agencies I have witnessed in operation can best be described as “Dog & Pony” shows.
Rosalind on March 09 at 9:18 p.m.
A while back I had to drive our substitute vehicle, which is in terrible aesthetic condition as the paint is peeling off and the interior is falling apart. On 3 occasions over 3 months, I was pulled over for no legitimate reason. I was given reasons that were completely inaccurate.

I’m convinced my car was being profiled - especially considering the surprised look of the officers when they finally saw me. I received no tickets, as I’m certain the officers knew I hadn’t broken any laws.

After that, my opinions of the local police dropped dramatically.
DFO on March 09 at 9:59 p.m.
Rosalind; I’m still waiting for a review of “Watchmen.”

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About this blog

D.F. Oliveria is a columnist and blogger for The Spokesman-Review. Huckleberries Online was judged the best 2008 Idaho newspaper blog by the Idaho Press Club. And the best 2007 news blog in the Pacific Northwest by the Society for Professional Journalist. Print Huckleberries is a past winner of the Herb Caen Memorial Column contest by the National Association of Newspaper Columnists. The Readership Institute of Northwestern University cited this blog as a good example of online community journalism.