Suddenly, library books seem to be the biggest threat to public safety in Kootenai County. Why is our sheriff so concerned?

Public records and common sense show that Sheriff Norris is distracted by books while real problems plague the people he is supposed to protect.

Norris became Sheriff in 2020.

Between 2020-2021, deaths from fentanyl doubled in Kootenai County. In that same time period, we saw increases in: violent crimes, arson, robbery, stolen property, extortion, weapons, drugs/narcotics, larceny, motor vehicle theft, burglary and more, according to State Police Uniform Crime Reporting.

What is Sheriff Norris’ job, and is he doing it?

The County Sheriff investigates crimes; apprehends persons charged with criminal activity; serves warrants and process papers issued by the District Court and other lawful authorities; handles reports of various nuisances or dangers to the public, and handles safety matters.

His job isn’t to steal books from libraries.

From Uniform Crime Reporting data, we know that we do have a real crime and drug problem in Kootenai County. Why all of a sudden the concern with library books?

Could this pretended concern for children be because Norris is up for re-election in 2024? Is it that he wants to distract the public from real problems?

Personally, I would rather see the sheriff do his real job than police local libraries. More kids die of fentanyl in Kootenai County than library books. Sheriff Norris, please do your job and stop pandering to your base.

LOREEE PEERY

Spirit Lake