‘Crime Task Force’ Is News To Area Police

Coeur d’Alene police are not associated with nor do they endorse a “crime education task force” currently seeking donations in Kootenai County.

An organization called the United States Crime Education Task Force claims it is asking for donations to help them fight juvenile and gang-related crime.

“I don’t know of any law enforcement agency that endorses this solicitation,” said Capt. Carl Bergh.

Mike Cady, who works for the group, said the organization makes educational videos, study guides and fliers to help people deal with crime.

Bergh said the organization has come to Idaho in the past. He said their materials often were outdated and not given to community groups.

He said the organization appears to be working out of a local hotel room with a postal drop box for a mailing address.

Kootenai County sheriff’s officials also said they do not endorse the group. “We’ve never even heard of them,” said Capt. Ben Wolfinger.

Cady said a copy of their video was available at the library but would say only that other materials could be obtained by calling them.

“As far as I know we are non-profit,” Cady said, referring further questions to a Washington state office that did not return calls from The Idaho SpokesmanReview.

, DataTimes