COEUR d’ALENE — Kootenai County’s new sheriff delivered a clear message in his first day on the job Friday.

“We want to have a stronger relationship with this community,” said Bob Norris, who was sworn-in on New Year’s Day, and later swore-in his staff.

He’s confident that connecting with the people will make for a good 2021. He said he has already received strong support.

“It can only go up from here,” he said during a press conference as a small crowd looked on.

Norris replaces Ben Wolfinger, who retired after eight years as sheriff and 37 with the KCSO.

Norris was easily elected to a four-year term in the general election in November, receiving nearly 70% of the vote.

He said he plans to form two advisory groups, one comprised of citizens and one made up of pastors.

“We’re going to connect to the community,” he said.

He said religious leaders meet with thousands of Kootenai County residents weekly, “which keeps them more aware and in tune with the challenges our community faces.

“As your sheriff, I believe they are a valuable source of information and ideas on how to handle community needs, as well as coordinate and communicate with citizens on community concerns."

He said any pastor that leads a congregation can apply and he’ll select about 10 to start.

Norris also said he’ll put “operational strategies in place” to combat crime, which he said has increased as the area has grown. He plans to hold town hall meetings to get input from residents.

"Community safety is a partnership," he said. "We can best keep the community safe by understanding more clearly the needs of those we serve."

He noted that the Kootenai County jail used to have a population of about 20% felons. Today, it’s about 85%.

“Crime is going to come and so we are going to put strategies in place to contain this crime as much as we possibly can,” he said.

“Yes, our community is changing, the development is really aggressive, and we certainly are going to reach out to the community."

Norris said that in the coming days he plans to outline his stance on enforcing the Panhandle Health District’s mask mandate to try and reduce the number of coronavirus cases.

"My plan as sheriff is to work as a partner with all aspects of the community," he said.