Idaho Falls Police Department outlines proactive code enforcement and community initiatives

The Idaho Falls City Council held a work session on April 7, 2025, focusing on various initiatives and updates from the Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD) and city code enforcement efforts. The meeting began with a presentation from the police department, highlighting its role as a fully accredited municipal police agency serving a diverse and busy community.

The police chief emphasized the department's mission to enhance community safety and well-being, noting that Idaho Falls serves as a regional hub for commerce and, unfortunately, crime. He shared personal anecdotes illustrating the positive impact of police work on individuals' lives, reinforcing the department's commitment to community engagement and transparency.

Upcoming projects were discussed, including a graffiti cleanup initiative in collaboration with local businesses and volunteers, as well as the implementation of a geographic policing model. This model will allow officers to engage more directly with residents through community events like "Coffee with Cops," fostering better relationships between law enforcement and the public.

The chief also outlined the department's new strategic plan, which shifts focus from internal operations to enhancing service delivery to the community. This plan includes annual community events such as the Citizens Police Academy, a police memorial during Police Week, and a first responder car show, aimed at building community ties and promoting public safety.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing code enforcement priorities. The police department took over code enforcement responsibilities in the previous budget cycle, and the chief reported on efforts to increase the effectiveness of these operations. He noted a 86% increase in handled complaints from 2023 to 2024, attributing this success to improved coordination with public works and enhanced reporting processes.

The chief acknowledged the need for a balance between warnings and citations in code enforcement, indicating a goal to increase citations by 10% while also being responsive to community concerns. He highlighted the importance of proactive enforcement, with a notable percentage of cases being self-initiated by officers.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the city's ongoing cleanup efforts and the importance of maintaining community standards. The chief expressed a commitment to continuous improvement in both police and code enforcement operations, ensuring that the city remains a safe and welcoming environment for all residents.