The Flathead County Alcohol Enforcement Team has switched from a cooperatively run team to being under the command structure of the county Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff's Office to command alcohol team

Flathead County Sheriff Mike Meehan detailed other changes in a Jan. 11 press release.

He said the changes are a response to concerns about the manner and methods used in the enforcement of alcohol offenses.

In bringing the team under the sheriff's command, he said, the task force will be under the Detective Division and directly accountable to the detective commander. Jeannie Landis now holds that position.

A second change will involve specialized training for team members in enforcement techniques and search and seizure protocol. The final change will create policies to protect and respect constitutional and civil rights.

Several agencies comprise the team - the Sheriff's Office, Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls police departments, the Montana Highway Patrol and the U.S. Forest Service. It is funded by a grant from the Montana Board of Crime Control.

- The Daily Inter Lake