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(IDAHO FALLS) – In an exclusive interview with Neal Larson and Julie Mason from Newstalk 107.9, Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson provided a comprehensive overview of the department’s current operations, addressing topics ranging from immigration enforcement to shifting crime trends and new law enforcement technologies. The discussion offered a detailed look into the challenges of policing a growing city while navigating sensitive political and legislative landscapes.

Chief Johnson took the opportunity to clarify the Idaho Falls Police Department’s (IFPD) stance on immigration, particularly as some members of the local Hispanic community feel “on edge” regarding federal enforcement. Johnson emphasized that the department’s core mission is to investigate crimes and protect the public, regardless of a person’s legal status. He noted that local law enforcement lacks the legal authority to enforce federal immigration laws, a distinction supported by federal agencies like Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). According to the Chief, the IFPD focuses on universal safety issues, such as protecting victims of domestic violence and apprehending violent offenders, rather than performing routine immigration checks.

The Chief shared specific instances where cooperation with federal authorities proved essential for public safety. These examples included high-stakes cases of child trafficking and a situation involving a grandfather sexually abusing his granddaughter, where HSI assisted in removing the predator from the family unit through immigration channels. Johnson also highlighted a joint effort to locate former Venezuelan police officers wanted for homicide. In these examples, the Chief argued that federal collaboration is a targeted tool used specifically to remove dangerous individuals from the community, rather than a broad enforcement of immigration policy.

On the topic of local crime, Chief Johnson characterized Idaho Falls as a “typical American city” where the constitutional priority on liberty makes law enforcement a complex task. Despite those inherent challenges, 2023 marked a period of statistical improvement for the region. Following a spike in crime during the years surrounding the pandemic, the city saw a slight decrease in violent crime and a significant double-digit percentage decrease in property crime. Johnson credited these gains to the proactive work of his officers, who conducted approximately 13,000 traffic stops over the course of the year to maintain a visible and active presence.

The interview concluded with a discussion on legislative concerns, including a proposal to remove registration stickers from license plates. Johnson noted that this change would require officers to spend more time looking at in-car computers to verify registration, a distraction he views as inherently dangerous for officers on the road. He also offered a passionate defense of License Plate Readers (LPRs), calling them the “best improvement in law enforcement since DNA.” While acknowledging public “surveillance state” concerns, Johnson asserted that the technology is constitutional and essential for modern policing, expressing wariness over potential legislative actions that might limit its use.

(BOISE) – In an exclusive interview with Neal Larson and Julie Mason on Newstalk 107.9, State Senator James Ruchti addressed the mounting challenges of a legislative session defined by a sudden and significant budget shortfall. Ruchti described a sense of “whiplash” among lawmakers who began the year anticipating a surplus of up to $1 billion, only to be met with warnings of a deficit ranging from $555 million to $1 billion. He attributed this reversal to several years of aggressive tax cuts which, in his view, have reduced state revenue beyond sustainable levels.

Comparing the current fiscal atmosphere to the 2009 Great Recession, Ruchti argued that the state is moving beyond simple efficiency “trimming” and toward more painful territory. While some colleagues have called for a “DOGE”-style effort to streamline government, Ruchti cautioned that the scale of the revenue gap requires more than fine-tuned adjustments. He stated that the legislature is currently facing the need for “hatchets and axes” rather than scalpels, warning that across-the-board reductions will inevitably “hit some bone” and impact essential services.

Ruchti specifically highlighted several areas where budget pressures are already surfacing. He noted concerns regarding water quality monitoring, water-rights administration, and mental health services. He warned that reducing funding for crisis services often results in higher downstream costs for local jails and law enforcement agencies. To avoid these outcomes, Ruchti proposed a multi-pronged approach to stabilize the state’s finances without immediately resorting to tax increases.

His primary recommendation involves utilizing Idaho’s substantial “rainy day” reserves. Ruchti suggested deploying approximately $550 million—roughly one-third of the state’s $1.6 billion reserve fund—to bridge the immediate gap. He argued that because Idaho’s underlying economy remains fundamentally healthy, using reserves now could prevent destabilizing cuts while waiting for revenue to potentially rebound. Additionally, he proposed adding “triggers” to recent tax cuts so that they only take effect when the state meets certain revenue benchmarks.

The Senator also touched on the controversial $50 million private and religious school tax credit program, known as House Bill 93. Ruchti called for the elimination of the program, arguing that it lacks accountability and diverts funds at a time when public schools are facing an estimated $50 million reduction. During the interview, hosts Larson and Mason noted their disagreement with this stance, though the conversation remained professional.

The interview concluded with a discussion on state party politics, specifically the decision to bring Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to Idaho for fundraising. Ruchti noted he was not part of that decision-making process and suggested that while Walz may help with fundraising, he personally might have invited leaders from states facing similar budget crises, such as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, to better resonate with Idaho audiences.