COEUR d'ALENE - The Kootenai County commissioners decided a month ago to do a "comprehensive study" of the county's public defense system.

"We have not awarded a contract to do the study as of today," Commissioner Dan Green said Thursday.

The commissioners have discussed the study with representatives of the Idaho Association of Counties, the Idaho Supreme Court and the Sixth Amendment Center, Green said.

Data has been gathered to turn over to a firm or group so it can bring forth a proposal. The scope of the study will be determined based on proposals, he said.

"The scoping may range from a complete, comprehensive analysis on how to best provide the services and protect constitutional rights or narrow the scope to address specific issues like the selection of conflict attorneys and how to contract with them," Green said.

As for the cost, the preliminary estimate is a maximum of $40,000 for a comprehensive study. He said it would be much less for a more narrow study.

The National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) completed a study of the county's public defender system three years ago, giving Public Defender John Adams and his office high marks.

Still, the county commissioners would like to go forward with another look.

"We want to look at what may be unique situations to Kootenai County," Green said. "One size does not necessarily fit all."

A study recently was completed by Canyon County, he said.

"It is more current than the NLADA study," he said. "We are reviewing that study to see if there is information that is applicable to our county. Canyon County may have similar issues to Kootenai County."

The Idaho Legislature this past session discussed creating a legislative committee to study public defense this summer. It has been reported that the interim committee would make recommendations to be considered during the next session.

"That is a question we have discussed," Green said. "I am not sure of the timeline for the state to complete a study, but I think it is quite a bit longer than what we are targeting."

The commissioners have said they want the study completed by this fall.