The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe have reached an additional agreement that provides enhanced law enforcement services to both Tribal and non-Tribal members. This most recent agreement builds on the existing cross-deputization and mutual aid agreement between the Sheriff’s Department and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe ensures cross- deputized Kootenai County officers have reciprocity to enforce tribal warrants on and off the reservation just as cross-deputized Coeur d’Alene Tribal police officers can enforce state warrants. More below.

Question: Why does the Kootenai County Sheriff's Department get along so well with Coeur d'Alene Tribal police and the Benewah County SD doesn't?

Major Ben Wolfinger, who helped to draft the agreement stated:  “It only makes good sense to work together to provide the best law enforcement services to all of the residents in Kootenai County.” The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has been cross deputized with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department since 2005. The entire 14-person tribal police department has been certified by the Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training academy. “This agreement is a reflection of the great relationship that exists between the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe,” Allan said. “Public safety is about working together as a team.” The agreement was a joint venture by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office, the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police and Coeur d’Alene Tribal Attorney/Major Ben Wolfinger, Kootenai County Sheriff's Department.