The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on September 23, 2025, where they discussed a significant opportunity for law enforcement training aimed at addressing the ongoing opioid crisis. The proposed training, which would cost approximately $6,500, is designed to equip officers with essential skills for handling opioid-related incidents and engaging with the community on this pressing issue.

During the meeting, it was revealed that previous attempts to organize similar training had fallen through due to insufficient participation. However, the sheriff's office has now expressed willingness to conduct the training, potentially accommodating up to 100 participants from various agencies. This collaborative approach not only maximizes resources but also fosters a unified response to the opioid epidemic affecting the community.

Commissioners expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of utilizing available opioid settlement funds for this purpose. With over a million dollars in these funds remaining, the board is keen to ensure that the money is used effectively to benefit public safety and community health. The training is expected to enhance officers' capabilities in managing opioid-related situations and improve community outreach efforts.

The discussion also touched on the possibility of charging other municipalities for attendance, but many commissioners favored offering the training at no cost, given that it is funded through settlement money rather than taxpayer dollars. This decision reflects a commitment to maximizing the impact of the funds while ensuring that local law enforcement agencies can participate without financial barriers.

In conclusion, the Board of Commissioners is moving forward with plans for this vital training, which promises to strengthen the community's response to the opioid crisis. By investing in law enforcement education, Kootenai County aims to foster safer neighborhoods and better equip officers to handle the challenges posed by opioid misuse. Further details, including the training schedule, will be finalized in the coming weeks.