SPIRIT LAKE, Idaho — A lot can change in a year. Few know this better than Mike Morlan, the chief of police with the Spirit Lake Police Department.
In May 2023, former Chief Dennis Sanchez resigned — but this was only the beginning of the department’s misfortune.
A sergeant was put on administrative leave for an incident with his previous employer, then the interim chief left after about three months.
“There was no supervision whatsoever,” Morlan said. “Officers began to leave for greener pastures.”
When Morlan became chief in August 2023, the department had one remaining officer.
The biggest problem this presented, according to Morlan, was that SLPD was unable to provide adequate coverage for the city. Weekend and overnight patrols were not feasible without the help of neighboring agencies, including Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
With time and assistance, Morlan was gradually able to rebuild his police force. Now, 16 months later, SLPD has eight full-time officers and three reserve officers.
A full force now in place, Morlan said traffic safety and animal control are the department's primary concerns.
Morlan said the larger department hasn't resulted in higher property taxes. He said room in the budget was made possible by the police department, City Council, and Mayor Jeremy Cowperthwaite’s office coming together in sacrifice.
“Everyone had to tighten their belts,” Morlan said. “We’ve worked as a family to feel the pain together when it comes to that. We realize we’re a big chunk of the budget, and we have to be mindful of the money we’ve been allocated and be good stewards of that.”
This story was originally published by our news partner, the Coeur d'Alene Press.
