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Boise Has No Plans To Defund Police, Says Mayor And New Police Chief

City of Boise

The new Boise police chief, Ryan Lee, replaces Bill Bones, who retired from the job after 27 years. 

At a press conference Wednesday, Lee fielded questions about nationwide calls to defund police departments.

Lee said he understands the sentiment, but he believes funding remains necessary to train officers and offer effective community policing.

 

“It's very resource intensive, and so I think we need to be very mindful and thoughtful about police funding," said Lee.

Mayor McLean agreed, but acknowledged the need to revisit the relationship between citizens and law enforcement. 

“We absolutely must review policies, make sure that we're doing everything that we can as a city, community and department to ensure that everyone remains safe," said McLean.

Lee said he will take a comprehensive look into current police training before determining whether changes are necessary. He starts his new position July 1.

Follow us on Twitter @KBSX915 for more local news.

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