A Day in the Life: BFPD

BONNERS FERRY — Many people drive down the road, happily chatting with passengers or listening to their favorite song on the radio. A glance in the rear view mirror reveals the ominous light bar perched on top of a patrol car. Their first instinct is often to tap the brakes, glance down at the speedometer, grip the steering wheel a little tighter, and wonder if all the lights are functioning correctly on their vehicle.

The perception of many people is that law enforcement are out looking for reasons to write a ticket, that the main activity is pulling people over for speeding. That perception has led many people to feel uncomfortable around law enforcement, resulting in far less crimes being reported.

A shift spent with Bonners Ferry Police Sergeant Willie Cowell revealed a very different scenario than many would expect. The main focus of the Bonners Ferry Police Department is to keep the people of Bonners Ferry safe.

The first check on this particular day was a trip to the Boundary County Fairgrounds, making sure that the children playing there were safe, and no known sex offenders were in the location, sitting in cars or lurking about. “It does happen,” said Cowell.

The shift progressed, as Cowell drove around different neighborhoods and businesses, watching for anything unusual. The recurring theme was the children. All around, they smiled and waved, one young girl even racing down the sidewalk of her apartment, jumping up and down to get Cowell’s attention.

“Once you take the time to talk with them, they want to come out and see you,” remarked Cowell, smiling and waving back.

A truck and trailer was at a thrift store as Cowell drove by. He turned around to check, as the thrift store was closed at the time, with an overflow of items on the outside. Noticing that the trailer was empty as it left, it was determined that they were just most likely dropping off items.

“There has been a rash of burglaries,” Cowell explained, so they have been watching even closer. Many cars have been broken into recently. This is the time when the Police Department can use the help of the community. When people come forward and report crimes, it becomes more difficult for thieves to accomplish their goals.

There was one vehicle pulled over for speeding through town, a lady from Canada. She and her vehicle were up to date and Cowell released her with a verbal warning. “What I look for is compliance,” he explained. “When compliance is not given, that is where citations come into play for me.”

If the driver had attempted to give an unfounded excuse, the traffic stop may have gone differently. Instead, she continued on to her destination without a negative feeling about Bonners Ferry or its Police Department.

Two individuals were warned about expired registrations on their vehicles. One was in a gas station parking lot, as the young man was entering his car. Cowell rolled down the window and talked with the man. “You don’t have to do it right now, but I just wanted to let you know. You will get pulled over for that,” he said.

On a pass through town, Cowell spotted a man that appeared intoxicated, walking toward the liquor store. “He is on parole,” he explained when he recognized the gentleman. Instead of waiting for the man to buy alcohol and break his parole, he met him as he walked up. “I want to give him the opportunity to do the right thing,” he said. After a brief talk, the man chose to do the right thing and headed home.

There was a call about an aggressive dog in a person’s yard. Cowell responded to the reporting party, talking with them, and identifying the owner, who was not home at the time. He would follow up later in the shift.

A Boundary County Sheriff’s Deputy had a call outside of town, reporting a domestic dispute. Cowell offered to provide back up. The situation ended in an arrest being made, and Cowell offered to take the suspect to the jail so the Deputy could follow up with the victim.

Cowell showed genuine compassion for the suspect, who was obviously distressed, while maintaining control of the situation to best ensure the safety of everyone involved. The suspect appeared under the influence, and Cowell repeatedly glanced back, checking on the individual and speaking to them to ensure they were still conscious.

“It has to do with helping people,” said Cowell, “whether it is brightening a child’s day or for example, if it involves a drug arrest; that is oftentimes an opportunity for an addict to receive treatment which otherwise may not have been available to them.”

In a span of seven hours, there were no speeding tickets. There was just a Sergeant, donning the Bonners Ferry Police Department badge every day, and going out into the city he loves, and putting his life on the line to protect the people who live in it.