BOISE — Idaho State Police troopers could start patrolling Pocatello and Coeur d'Alene on motorcycles.
Idaho State Police Colonel Kedrick Wills told the Legislature's budget-setting Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee Tuesday that motorcycle troopers can do traffic enforcement as well as help with special events, such as a popular Ironman competition in Coeur d'Alene.
The agency's requested budget seeks ten motorcycle troopers -- but Gov. Brad Little is recommending two in Pocatello, two in Coeur d'Alene, and one office specialist, at a cost of $1 million for fiscal year 2020.
Wills also wants to equip troopers with smartphones for customer service, public relations and productivity. Little agrees that troopers need smartphones -- and is recommending $95,000.
Overall, Little is recommending about $76 million for the agency. About $9 million of that is federal money.
(by Associated Press)
(photo courtesy: Idaho Transportation Dept.)
