HAYDEN, Idaho — Hayden just adopted a levy to fund six more sheriff’s deputies in the city, adding to the four deputies already assigned specifically to Hayden.
The City of Hayden contracts with the Kootenay County Sheriff’s Office for additional law enforcement services.
In 2010, Hayden commissioned an independent study that found Hayden needed at least 20 deputies to be adequately staffed.
Lt. Zachary Sifford, public information officer for the Kootenay County Sheriff’s Office, explained that 10 officers is not enough for Hayden.
“We will continue to fill in the gaps of this for now,” he said. “Ultimately, if law enforcement services are needed, we will be calling from other areas of the county to fill that need. And here is such a stretch, because the rural areas of the counties are left without their deputies.”
The next step is to hire additional deputies.
We’re looking at probably early 2024 before the MP goes solo and works on the streets of Hayden specifically for them,” Sifford said. “We’re definitely on the right track and a step in the right direction, but we still have work to do to recruit, train and equip.”
In a statement regarding the collection, Sheriff Bob Norris wrote:
“Hayden residents have recognized the need for increased public safety in the city. Rapid growth is changing the character of the small town of Hayden, and public safety must expand to maintain the level of public safety. I welcome the community’s support as we continue to keep the public safe and keep the peace.”
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