County Severs Town’s Crime Wire Access

Due to the upheaval at the Spirit Lake Police Department, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department has terminated Spirit Lake’s access to the county’s criminal teletype system.

“We’re just ensuring the security of the telecommunication system,” said Capt. Ben Wolfinger, sheriff’s spokesman.

“We’re concerned about who’s in charge and who’s going to take the responsibility (for access to the information).”

Police use the system to check drivers’ records, felony warrants and criminal histories.

The sheriff’s department feared it would be liable if police information was improperly obtained or leaked, Wolfinger said.

He said the sheriff’s department wants evidence that the city’s two new officers are state certified before considering a new teletype agreement.

Spirit Lake Mayor Bob Knapp said he’s worried the change will endanger Spirit Lake police officers and citizens.

Knapp said the city’s trying to decide what to do next.

“We’re working on it,” Knapp said. “The lawyer’s sitting right across from me now.”

“I don’t think that it’s an officer-safety issue if they’re doing their job right,” said Wolfinger. “You treat everyone with caution.”

The sheriff’s department still will assist Spirit Lake on major crimes or disasters, Wolfinger said. “If they need help, we’ll be there.”

, DataTimes