Resolution 2025 - 1104.1 Increase Public Accountability & Remove Nepotism by AllowingCertain Municipalities to Elect the Chiefs of Police at Large

WHEREAS, Idaho municipalities with populations exceeding 100,000 inhabitants are governed

by mayors and city councils that appoint chiefs of police, creating potential for political bias and

nepotism in law enforcement leadership; and,

WHEREAS, Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, with five cities ranking

among the top 100 for population growth between 2020 and 2024, including rapid expansion in

North Idaho communities that may soon approach thresholds for enhanced municipal

governance reforms; and,

WHEREAS, appointed police chiefs may be influenced by the political priorities of the appointing

authority rather than the broader public interest; and,

WHEREAS, the public’s direct election of chiefs of police in larger municipalities would enhance

accountability, improve transparent, and public-facing electoral processes, and ensure law

enforcement leadership reflects the will of the electorate across our growing state; and,

WHEREAS, House Bill No. 413, passed by the Sixty-fifth Idaho Legislature in the second

session of 2020, provides a model for municipal structural reform through elected law

enforcement leadership;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Title 50, Municipal Corporations, Chapter 2, General

Provisions – Government – Territory, be amended to exclude the chief of police from the

category of “other officers” appointed by the mayor with consent of the council; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in Idaho municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants,

the chief of police shall be elected at large by the voters of the municipality; and,

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee secretary

will submit this resolution to the Idaho Republican Party (IDGOP) for consideration during the

winter 2026 IDGOP Meeting, as well as to all House and Senate legislators in Legislative

Districts 2, 3, 4, and 5 - thereby reinforcing the party’s commitment to accountable, unbiased

law enforcement and increasing participation of voters in public safety.

Adopted by the KCRCC November 2025; Author Patrick Wolf, KCRCC Youth Chair and Michael Angiletta