Idaho § 31-2227 - Enforcement of penal laws - Primary responsibility
Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 31-2227 — Enforcement of penal laws - Primary responsibility, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-2227. Enforcement of penal laws - Primary responsibility
(1) Irrespective of police powers vested by statute in state, county and municipal officers, and except where otherwise provided in Idaho Code, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Idaho that the primary duty of enforcing all the penal provisions of any and all statutes of this state, in any court, is vested in the sheriff and prosecuting attorney of each of the several counties. When, in the judgment of such county officers, they need assistance from municipal peace officers within the county, they are authorized and directed to call for such assistance and local officers shall render assistance.
(2) When, in the judgment of such county officers, advice and/or assistance is needed which is not available in the county, the sheriff and/or the prosecuting attorney are directed to call upon the Idaho state police for such advice and assistance and the department shall render such cooperative service. Whenever in the opinion of the governor any peace officer of this state refuses to offer assistance when requested to do so, or refuses to perform any duty enjoined upon him by the penal statutes of this state, the governor shall direct the attorney general to commence action under chapter 41, title 19 , Idaho Code, to remove such officer from office.
(3) When in the judgment of the governor the penal laws of this state are not being enforced as written, in any county, or counties, in this state, he may direct the director of the Idaho state police to act independently of the sheriff and prosecuting attorney in such county, or counties, to execute and enforce such penal laws. In such an instance, the attorney general shall exclusively exercise all duties, rights and responsibilities of the prosecuting attorney.
[31-2227, added 1951, ch. 196, sec. 1, p. 420; am. 1974, ch. 27, sec. 77, p. 811; am. 1989, ch. 14, sec. 6, p. 16; am. 1998, ch. 246, sec. 1, p. 808; am. 2000, ch. 469, sec. 79, p. 1525; am. 2014, ch. 280, sec. 2, p. 707.]
Source: official Idaho text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 31-2227
What does Idaho Statutes § 31-2227 cover?
Section 31-2227 ("Enforcement of penal laws - Primary responsibility") is part of the Idaho Statutes, the codified statutory law of Idaho. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Idaho § 31-2227?
A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 31-2227" (Idaho). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Idaho law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Idaho official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Idaho attorney.
How does Idaho § 31-2227 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Idaho can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Idaho.