Blackwater looking to train N. Idaho police

The Associated Press

2008-05-01 23:58:44.0

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

COEUR d’Alene, Idaho – Blackwater Worldwide is negotiating for construction of a regional law enforcement training center in northern Idaho.The private military contractor based in Moyock, N.C., is working on a deal with the Idaho Peace Officer Standards & Training Academy to provide space and instruction to police, sheriff’s deputies and other enforcement personnel.

“Blackwater will be entering into agreement with the state of Idaho to build a training facility,” Blackwater spokeswoman Anne Tyrrell told the Coeur d’Alene Press. “In this agreement, Idaho POST would be a tenant. There would be other law enforcement agencies from the surrounding areas.”

Jeff Black, executive director of the academy, said no costs have been set and the idea has yet to be approved by the state.

“There are a lot of things we need to work out,” he said. “It’s very early in the process.”

Blackwater has come under scrutiny for its security contracting work in Iraq. Iraqis were outraged over a shooting Sept. 16, when 17 civilians were killed in a Baghdad square. Blackwater said its guards were protecting diplomats under attack before they opened fire, but Iraqi investigators concluded the shooting was unprovoked. An FBI probe began in November.

Tyrrell said no site had been chosen for a training center in north Idaho, nor had the cost been determined.

“We’re now looking for places to build,” Tyrrell said. “It’s best if it’s in a fairly remote location that is accessible.”

The complex would include an emergency vehicle operation course, shooting ranges, classrooms, dormitories for at least 80 people, a cafeteria and administration buildings, she said.

Currently, Black said, north Idaho law enforcement agencies send officers to the POST Academy in Meridian in southwest Idaho, which adds to travel expenses.

Kootenai County Sheriff Rocky Watson said Blackwater’s presence might raise public concern.

“The perception that our law enforcement officers will be trained by mercenaries is a problem,” Watson said. “Our jobs are totally different. We’re not paramilitary. The perception is important to our customers.”

Tyrrell said that perception was inaccurate.

“The biggest misconception is about what we do,” Tyrrell said. “We’re a private training company. We train law enforcement agencies all over the country.”