COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho -Idaho State Police has extended the deadline to apply for the trooper training academy, citing a shortage of troopers in the panhandle.
ISP says a shortage in the Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston districts has led to staffing challenges, including having other districts fill shifts.
“We have six districts throughout the state, and each week, a district is sending a trooper to that area to work,” said ISP Patrol Sergeant Justin Scotch.
As of now, District 1, which serves the five northernmost counties in Idaho, is short by nine troopers. Sergeant Scotch said one of the reasons ISP is seeing a shortage is troopers’ earning potential.
“Unfortunately for us, we have lost some troopers to other states surrounding Idaho because they are paying a higher wage to be a law enforcement officer,” he said.
In Idaho, troopers start at nearly $30,000 less than their Washington counterparts.
The demand for service calls has only increased, but with fewer troopers, they sometimes have to respond to calls alone or with little backup.
“We care about the state,” said Sergeant Scotch. “We care about the people here in our state. And we will do what it takes to help and to answer calls and be the police service that people need.”
Even with the shortage, Sergeant Scotch said ISP is committed to serving the public.
“It’s a hard job, but it’s so fun and exciting,” he said. “The calls will keep coming and we will still have a group of dedicated people here in the districts throughout the state that love the job and love the state they work for. And we’re going to answer the call because that’s our job.”
The new deadline to apply for the trooper academy is October 17th. The academy begins in January.
“If you have a desire to serve and make Idaho safer, we want you on our team. There’s no better time to step up, turn your passion for your community into your profession, and help uphold the safety and integrity Idahoans expect,” Captain Mike Mooney said.
To find out more and to apply, visit this link.
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