Pocatello police step up foot patrols

Pocatello police officers are being asked to patrol the streets on foot for at least 15 minutes each day.

It’s part of a mandate that the department issued Jan. 3 in an effort to increase police interaction with the public.

“When you look at the interaction between us and the public, it’s hard to do that from a vehicle,” said Capt. Roger Shei, who oversees the department’s 60 other patrol officers.

Officers routinely patrol schools and businesses, making contact with students and business owners.

“We’ve always been told to do foot patrol, but they’re kind of wanting us to hit it a little harder,” Officer Shannon Bloxham said.

Schei said he’s received mostly positive feedback.

“As I go out and talk to folks, they’re excited, they’re impressed by the increased interaction,” Schei said.