HOMELAND SECURITY EXPERT NAMED
IDAHO STATE POLICE DIRECTOR

(BOISE) – Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter today named Jerry Russell, deputy director at the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, as new director of the Idaho State Police.

Colonel Russell served 26 years with the Oregon State Police, rising from patrol officer to bureau commander, before becoming chief security officer for Idaho’s Fourth Judicial District in 2001. He became an exercise design specialist for the Idaho Military Division in 2003, and has been deputy director for operations at the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security since February 2004.

His responsibilities there have included statewide emergency preparedness, disaster response and recovery, as well as supervision of the state’s hazardous materials program and other operations.

“Of the many highly qualified individuals who I considered, Jerry Russell stood out because of the great working relationship he has developed in his current role with all 44 county sheriffs in every corner of Idaho,” Otter said. “That kind of synergy, along with his understanding of the ISP’s critical role in support of local law enforcement and his broad range of experience in public safety, makes him the best choice for this job.”

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