Tuesday, November 5, 2024
 
Click HERE to sign up to receive Eye On Sun Valley's Daily News Email
 
Little Training Required to be an Elected Official
Loading
A painted rock at Wylde Beet in Hailey reminds patrons to vote.
   
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
 

STORY BY MICHELLE STENNETT

PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Those who run government, more often than not, are not professionally trained to do the job but, rather, they are elected or appointed. Experience comes from time on the job.

But did you realize that, in many states, the coroner, sheriff, and probate judge or justice of the peace are also elected public officials, not requiring medical, full Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements for certification, or judicial experience?

As you read this, keep in mind (and this gets tricky), sheriffs can also serve as a coroner. In Idaho, the coroner has the authority to arrest the sheriff, which is a tradition from English common law, and serve temporarily as sheriff. If a sheriff or coroner fails to comply with a court order, they can be held in contempt of court by a judge. Judges generally have authority over both sheriffs and coroners, as they preside over courts where legal proceedings occur.

Frequently, all over the country, in urban and rural counties, coroners assign cause and manner of death (particularly when sudden, violent, or unusual), takes custody of the body, outside of a hospital, list them on a death certificate with time of death and complete the death certificate, and testify in court cases all without medical training.

To be a sheriff in Idaho, you must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, reside in the county for at least one year prior to the election, and possess a valid Idaho driver's license. You will also need to pass a background check, physical fitness test, complete a six-month probation period with the department, and complete a basic law enforcement certification through the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) program or its equivalent within a specified time frame after employment.

Note…POST is required after employment, after being elected. Voters should be informed if the head of a sheriff’s department is trained, can manage employees, and understand budgets.

In many states, you don't need to be a lawyer to be a probate judge or justice of the peace. Even though they are generally not required to have a law degree, they are typically required to complete some form of judicial training after being elected or appointed.

In the early 1970s, Idaho placed probate judges and justices of the peace under the jurisdiction of the district judge or the magistrate judge of the district court who must have law degrees.

Voters have the power to choose who is most qualified for these elected positions. The quality of the service to the community by those who we elect depends on their willingness to continually advance their education, their attention to details, and experience. Our lives may depend on it.

Editor’s Note: Michelle Stennett, of Ketchum, is a retired state senator.

~  Today's Topics ~


Blazing Pumpkins Lights Up the Night

Mamma Mia Reminds Us of the Magic of Love and Moments That Matter

Little Training Required to be an Elected Official
 
 

 

 

 
Website problems? Contact:
Michael Hobbs
General Manager /Webmaster
Mike@EyeOnSunValley.com
 
Got a story? Contact:
Karen Bossick
Editor in Chief
(208) 578-2111
Karen@EyeOnSunValley.com
 
 
Advertising /Marketing /Public Relations
Leisa Hollister
Chief Marketing Officer
(208) 450-9993
leisahollister@gmail.com
 
Brandi Huizar
Talent / AE
(208) 329-2050
brandi@eyeonsunvalley.com
 
 
ABOUT US
EyeOnSunValley.com is the largest online daily news media service in The Wood River Valley, publishing 7 days a week. Our website publication features current news articles, feature stories, local sports articles and video content articles. The Eye On Sun Valley Show is a weekly primetime television show focusing on highlighted news stories of the week airing Monday-Sunday, COX Channel 13. See our interactive Kiosks around town throughout the Wood River Valley!
 
info@eyeonsunvalley.com      Press Releases only
 
P: 208.720.8212
P.O. Box 1453 Ketchum, ID  83340
LOGIN

© Copyright 2023 Eye on Sun Valley