One of the many attractive characteristics of Boise is our relatively low crime rates and the general sense of safety that exists among our community. The Boise Police Department has played an effective role in helping to create and maintain this aspect of our city. Thus, we thought it might be fun to share a bit about its history. In 1864, when Boise was the hub of the Idaho Territory, President Abraham Lincoln appointed John Ward as the first law enforcement marshal. For almost 40 years, the law continued to be enforced by federal marshals, until the Boise Police Department (BPD) was officially established in 1903. At its conception, the department consisted of a police chief, a police sergeant, and seven police officers. In 1916, Doc Roach became the first motorcycle officer in Boise, sporting a motorcycle and side car to get through the unpaved streets of the city.
In its 116 year history, the BPD has only lost one officer in the line of duty, Officer Mark Stall. Officer Stall was shot and killed during a traffic stop which turned violent on September 20, 1997. In his honor, the Boise City Council named the West Boise street where the Boise Police Department is now located after him, N. Mark Stall Place. Additionally, since Officer Stall’s badge number was 512, the The 512 Fund was established to assist injured officers outside the Boise area who may need to be transported here for emergency medical treatment.
In 2015, the BPD adopted a puppy from the Canyon County Animal Shelter for the purpose of training a mascot. He was named “Scout” and is handled by Officer Lance Nickerson, who uses him for community events and as a therapy dog for victims and witnesses.
Today, the Boise Police Department is made up of about 300 sworn officers and 100 support staff, all dedicated to supporting and working with the Boise community to make it a better place for each and every resident.
