Idaho State Police could add more motorcycle patrols

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 on 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 10 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.