The Hayden City Council may establish a police chief position that would act as a liaison between the city and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

A draft job description was presented at Tuesday’s Public Safety Commission meeting.

The draft states in part that a police chief would ensure the department “is adequately manned, staffed, equipped, trained and disciplined for the detection, prevention and suppression of crime and the equitable enforcement of all city, state and federal laws within the city’s jurisdiction.”

Councilor Ed DePriest said the city is looking into creating the position in part to better understand the feasibility of Hayden eventually forming its own police department.

A police chief would increase communication and accountability between the city, the Public Safety Commission, and KCSO, DePriest said.

However, the proposal is in its very early stages.

“Even if it were to happen it’s not going to happen overnight,” DePriest said. “It would be a lengthy process.”

The police chief would also work with city leadership on budgetary matters, monthly reporting and long-term law enforcement goals, the draft said.

The position would also work for the sheriff's office and would have the rank of lieutenant “at a minimum,” and have a place at the command staff level.

The council initially asked staff to explore funding sources for the position at the Jan. 14 meeting.

According to a memo by city administrator Lisa Ailport, the addition of a police chief would increase annual costs “roughly $83,000 from the previous year.”

These costs would be covered within the general fund budget.

DePriest said he expects the matter will be on the city council’s agenda for its next meeting.