HAYDEN, Idaho — Hayden residents have an opportunity to help shape the conversation about the future of law enforcement services before recommendations are presented to the Hayden City Council.
The City of Hayden currently contracts with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement services. Earlier this year, the city retained Matrix Consulting Group, a national public-sector consulting firm, to conduct an independent review of those services and evaluate future options.
In March, the Hayden City Council approved a professional services agreement with Matrix Consulting Group for an amount not to exceed $99,880 to conduct the study. The project includes operational and financial analysis, community engagement and the development of recommendations for the City Council.
According to the agreement, Matrix has been asked to evaluate Hayden’s existing law enforcement model, review operational and financial data, assess future service needs and gather feedback from residents before presenting recommendations to the City Council. Community outreach—including an online survey and public engagement—is a key part of that process.
Residents interested in learning more about the study can review the Community Meeting Presentation Boards, which explain the project’s purpose, timeline, current phase, data being analyzed and the steps remaining before final recommendations are presented to the City Council.
The community survey is not a vote for or against establishing a municipal police department. Rather, it provides residents with an opportunity to share their perspectives on issues such as community safety, response times, law enforcement visibility, service priorities and future public safety needs. Matrix will consider that feedback alongside operational data, interviews and financial analysis as the study moves forward.
Whether you are satisfied with Hayden’s current law enforcement services or believe changes should be considered, Matrix is seeking input from residents across the community.
Some residents may believe Hayden should continue contracting with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. Others may favor exploring a municipal police department. Many simply want effective, responsive public safety services regardless of how they are delivered.
Whatever your perspective, this is an opportunity to have it reflected in the information Matrix receives before recommendations are developed.
The confidential survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Residents who would like to participate can complete the survey online. Matrix will use those responses alongside operational data, interviews and other information collected throughout the study.
How to Participate
Complete the community survey (approximately 10–15 minutes).
Review the Community Meeting Presentation Boards to better understand the study, the timeline and the work completed to date.
Watch for future opportunities to participate as the study moves toward final recommendations.
Public participation is most meaningful while ideas are still being considered. Whether you support maintaining Hayden’s current contract with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office or believe other options should be explored, taking a few minutes to participate helps ensure your perspective becomes part of the public process before recommendations are presented to the Hayden City Council.