Shining Laser Pointers At Cops May Be Illegal

It soon may be illegal to direct laser pointers at police officers in Post Falls.

City Councilman Joe Bodman said he would like the City Council to make it a misdemeanor crime to point the pen-shaped devices at anyone, but particularly at police or other emergency services personnel. The powerful red beam of light mimics the light of laser sighting systems on some guns.

“An officer cannot decipher, if there’s a red dot on them, if it’s a laser sighting device or a laser dot,” said Bodman, who also is a deputy for the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department. “I’ve had one pointed at me and I dove behind my car!”

The devices also cause problems for drivers who can be temporarily blinded by them.

The city will discuss the idea at its regular meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at city hall. At 6 p.m., the city will discuss the proposed purchase of the popular softball complex, Quad Park, with the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Bob Townsend, one of the owners of the park and a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, has asked the city to purchase the four-field complex and its associated land and buildings for $1.5 million.

Mayor Gus Johnson has said he thinks the citizens of Post Falls ought to vote on the proposal.