The police in West Coast states are increasingly seeking refuge in Idaho as the blue line becomes thinner.

The fifth part of the series on West Coast residents migrating to Idaho is now available. You can read parts one through four to gain a better understanding of the topic.

Seth Horst used to conceal from strangers his profession. "Police officer" was a taboo term in 2020, particularly in California.

A year has passed, and Horst stood with his family in downtown Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, watching fire trucks and police cars roll through the street for the city's Independence Day celebration. The Kootenai County sheriff waved at residents from the back of a pickup truck, a revolver snug against his hip, Horst recalled. Cars, homes, and businesses around town display the blue line flag year-round, and Horst said it's not unusual for people to offer to buy coffee for police when they see them out in the streets.

"Horst, who left California Highway Patrol and started a real estate business in North Idaho, stated, "That backing is incredibly powerful for the men and women in uniform stationed here." He added, "This place is truly remarkable for doing the job.""

The Fraternal Order of Police President Bryan Lovell in Idaho attributes the increasing popularity of the Gem State as a moving destination for both retired and active-duty police officers to a more positive climate.

"According to Lovell, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital, they come to Idaho to pursue their careers and contribute positively to the community. Lovell emphasized that the state's communities are generally supportive of law enforcement and public safety."

Despite the protests in 2020, cities of all sizes continue to struggle with staffing shortages in law enforcement.

Since the 1990s, Seattle's police staffing has been at its lowest level, according to a March KING 5 report. In an attempt to attract new officers, the Alameda Police Department in California offered a $75,000 signing bonus, which is the highest in the nation, in addition to a six-figure starting salary earlier this year.

Around the same time other departments started losing officers, Idaho experienced a surge of out-of-state police applications.

The number of officers from other states who applied for certification in Idaho more than doubled from 2019 to 2021, according to data from the Idaho Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST). However, the annual applications have decreased since then, but still remain above pre-2020 levels.

Officers from other states have contacted Lovell, seeking employment due to their frustration with local policies that reduced police funding or legalized drugs, he stated.

"The district attorney doesn't support them due to too much liability, so the department won't allow them to enforce the law, which is their duty," Horst stated. "This is a major concern for many individuals."

"Although they may have to accept a significant pay cut when they take a job up here, it is important to them to raise their families in a safe environment with old-school values."

The salary range for an officer joining the Coeur d’Alene Police Department is between $63,000 and $89,000 per year before overtime, while the Idaho State Patrol offers a range of $48,000 to nearly $103,000 per year.

Retirees provide the biggest blue boost in Idaho, according to Lovell and Horst.

Police officers from Los Angeles, San Diego, and other Golden State cities regularly meet for coffee, according to Horst, who stays in touch with several retiree groups. Additionally, around 40 former Seattle officers reside in the area. It makes sense that California, Washington, and Oregon are the three states driving Idaho's rapid population growth.

In 2022, the Boise suburb of Eagle received more CalPERS money than any other ZIP code outside of California, according to the Los Angeles Times' analysis.

Horst stated that he believed the state of California financed a significant amount of projects in North Idaho.

The concentration of former first responders in the area provides a sense of community for people like Horst, who moved there without already having strong social connections.

"Having that instant connection where you can feel secure, communicate openly, and share experiences is invaluable," he stated. "I believe it's a significant factor that attracts both men and women from this background."

Planet Chronicle' Ramiro Vargas contributed to the accompanying video.