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Idaho State Police commemorate 75 years of service

The Idaho State Police marked its 75th anniversary Feb. 20 during a celebration under the rotunda in Idaho's Capitol. The public was invited to celebrate throughout the day and enjoyed displays of ISP memorabilia, historical photographs, vintage uniforms and patrol cars.

The highlight of the public celebration began at noon with the posting of the colors by the ISP Honor Guard, remarks by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and presentations by ISP Col. Ralph W. Powell. Presentations included the unveiling of the winning design of the ISP 75th Anniversary High School Design Challenge submitted by Hannah Schlangen of Kuna High School.

"What started as a cavalry of men banded together to maintain peace in the mining and logging industries has evolved into a multifaceted, professional law enforcement agency responsible for not only general police investigative services and traffic patrol, but also statewide criminal justice records management and forensic science services," stated Col. Powell. "As we mark our 75th anniversary, it is a time for us to reflect on our rich history and traditions and remember the dedication and sacrifice of those who served before us."

Although ISP's responsibilities for protecting the public began in 1919 under the Bureau of Constabulary and the Idaho Department of Law Enforcement, ISP celebrates its anniversaries based upon the Legislature's passage of the Idaho State Police Act. The legislation reorganized the Bureau of Constabulary as the Idaho State Police and was signed into law Feb. 20, 1939, by Gov. C.A. Bottolfsen. In 2000, the Idaho Department of Law Enforcement and ISP were combined to better serve the citizens of Idaho.

Now, ISP is a modern-day, full-service law enforcement agency with statewide jurisdiction consisting of 535 commissioned and civilian members. It is headquartered in Meridian and has six district offices throughout the state, with patrol and investigations operations in each district. ISP's other programs include Forensic Services. Alcohol Beverage Control, Commercial Vehicle Safety, the Bureau of Criminal Identification, Criminal Justice Information Systems, the Idaho Criminal Intelligence Center, and two regional communications centers. Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST), Idaho Brand Inspection and the Idaho Racing Commission also are under the umbrella of ISP.

The Idaho State Police Association has commissioned several 75th anniversary items that are available for sale on its website. Those items include the book "Without Compromise," a historical perspective published in honor of ISP's anniversary by author Kelly Kast. Proceeds benefit the Idaho State Police Association, a non-profit organization composed of current and retired ISP employees. The website address is www.ispaonline.org.