Why Some Idaho Locals Aren’t Happy With Kuna Police

Yesterday was Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. While it's a federal holiday, many businesses continue operating as usual but when Kuna Police shared their plans, it sent Idahoans into a frenzy.

Social media controversy

Yesterday, Kuna Police shared on their Facebook page that they would be closed in observance of Juneteenth. The post read:

The Kuna Police Substation will be closed on Wednesday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. If you need to speak with a deputy, please contact 208-377-6790.

The post from Kuna police drew criticism from locals who were unhappy with Kuna Police's announcement.

"Remember this people when you vote for the next police chief and mayor," wrote one person.

Another wondered if it was an elaborate prank writing: "This has to be a joke ?"

"It better be. If it's true I just lost all my respect to Kuna PD.. Joe Stear (Kuna mayor) better clarify this. And if it's true. He's also not on the conservative side, and this will clearly tell me not to vote for him," a Facebook user responded.

On the other side of the coin, there were a few who showed their appreciation to Kuna law enforcement for their observance.

"Thank you for all you do. It's so disappointing to see these comments," one user wrote.

Ada County Sheriff's Office Responds

We received an email from Ada County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer, Deputy Montague who provided some clarification on the post:

For clarification - our substation/office was closed. Deputies were still patrolling and answering calls for service, just like any other day - federal holiday or not. Our substation is closed on federal holidays and weekends.

Were the comments from Facebook users warranted even if police were still patrolling and answering calls? We can't fault the substation and office workers for observing a federal holiday, especially if the police were still out in force... but what do you think?

Let us know your thoughts here.

You can check out Kuna Police's full post below: