Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris announced the selection of Craig Meidl as the new Undersheriff for the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office on September 16, 2026. The appointment brings a veteran law enforcement executive with more than three decades of experience to lead operations in North Idaho.
Extensive Law Enforcement Background
Meidl spent approximately 30 years with the Spokane Police Department before joining the Kootenai County agency. His career progression included service as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major, and assistant chief. He served as Chief of Police for Spokane from 2016 through January 2024.
During his tenure in Spokane, Meidl managed a large-scale organization comprising approximately 352 commissioned officers, 100 non-commissioned employees, and more than 50 volunteers. He oversaw a budget of roughly $90 million while handling responsibilities that included personnel management, training, internal affairs, policy implementation, and operational oversight.
Leadership Criteria for Kootenai County
Sheriff Norris emphasized the need for an administrator capable of managing complex resources in a rapidly expanding region. The Undersheriff role requires effective collaboration with regional law enforcement partners and a clear focus on public service.
“The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is a complex organization serving a rapidly growing community,” Norris said. “The Undersheriff must be able to lead people, manage resources, work effectively with our law enforcement partners and, most importantly, understand that our responsibility is to the citizens we serve.”
Meidl’s previous assignments in Spokane covered tactical operations, special investigations, SWAT, traffic, school resource operations, crisis intervention, and precinct command. His background in executive administration and budget oversight aligns with the operational demands of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.