Idaho Sheriffs' Association

08/19/2026

08/19/2026

Nice Try

Apparently, the scammers have a new strategy: they’re using the names of current and former Sheriff’s Office employees to make their calls sound legitimate.

This week, it’s Sergeant Ken Mencl’s turn. Last week, it was Lieutenant Brown. The week before that, it was someone else. At this rate, apparently everyone gets a turn.

if you get a phone call from “Sgt. Mencl” claiming to be with the Sheriff’s Office Civil Division and demanding money, please don’t panic, and definitely don’t pay them. And if “Sgt. Mencl” is calling you demanding money… well, the real Sgt. Mencl would probably like a word with him too.

The Sheriff’s Office is not going to call you and demand immediate payment over the phone. We’re also not going to threaten you into paying with gift cards, cryptocurrency, prepaid cards, or whatever creative payment method the scammers dream up next.

And just because the caller knows the name of an actual employee or even details about their position does not mean the call is legitimate. That information is found publicly and used to make a scam sound convincing.

If you are involved in a legitimate garnishment or other civil process requiring service, you will be served the appropriate legal paperwork in person by one of our Civil Division employees. You will not receive an unexpected phone call demanding that you immediately send money to avoid arrest or other consequences.

These scammers rely on fear, urgency, and the credibility of a familiar local name to convince people to act before they have time to think.

Don’t give them personal or financial information. Don’t send money. Hang up.

If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to represent the Sheriff’s Office, contact our office directly using a phone number you know to be legitimate and verify the information for yourself.

Please share this with your friends, family, and neighbors. The name the scammers use may change from week to week, but the advice doesn’t:

When in doubt, hang up and verify.

08/19/2026

08/05/2026

The Twin Falls Police Department, in partnership with the FBI, is sharing a Virtual Family Assistance Center to support those impacted by the events on August 1, 2026.

This online resource provides information and support for victims, family members, and loved ones who may be unable to attend the in-person Family Assistance Center or who may prefer to access resources remotely. FBI resources from across the country, including victim services providers, have responded to assist those affected.

Please visit this website for information on resources available: https://ow.ly/U5w550Zwmtm

Update: We are aware the link might not work well if you click it. If you copy and paste it into a browser or scan the QR code, it should work. We are trying to address the issue.

07/30/2026

In Idaho, ISA manages the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) service. VINE is an automated system that provides real-time notifications to victims when an offender is released from custody.

This service was created following the tragic loss of Mary Byron, who was shot and killed on her 21st birthday by an ex-boyfriend who had been released from jail without her knowledge. While many in our field know Mary’s story, her killer's name is rarely remembered, which is exactly how it should be.

Given the significant publicity surrounding the individual who took the lives of four University of Idaho students, I want to encourage us to refocus our attention away from the perpetrator and instead honor the victims. Let us remember and honor the lives of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, X**a Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—four lives taken far too soon.

07/21/2026

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

07/21/2026

Sheriffs Speak Out

07/17/2026

07/17/2026