(BOISE) – Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter appointed Lieutenant Colonel Ralph
Powell director of the Idaho State Police today, elevating him to the rank
of colonel to succeed Jerry Russell in command of the ISP.
Powell, a 30-year ISP veteran, has been acting Idaho State Police director
since Colonel Russell retired in January. He had been deputy director since
January 2012.
"I appreciate the opportunity Governor Otter has given me to continue my
service to the citizens of Idaho,” Colonel Powell said. “I look forward to our
continued effort in building positive working relationships with our law
enforcement counterparts throughout the state.”
Powell has an associate’s degree from what now is Brigham Young
University-Idaho, a bachelor’s degree in pre-law from Brigham Young University
and a master of public administration degree from Boise State University. He
started his law enforcement career as a police officer for the City of Boise in
1983. He became an Idaho State Police trooper based in Pocatello that same year
and worked his way up the ranks as a sergeant, regional commander, forensic and
police services commander, area operations commander and deputy director.
Colonel Powell and his wife Julie live in Meridian. They have five daughters,
three sons-in-law and eight grandchildren.
“Ralph has proven himself over and over again as an effective and exemplary law
enforcement professional. He shined as Jerry Russell’s right hand, and I’m
confident he will continue to show that kind of dynamic leadership and solid
management,” Governor Otter said. “This is another case of the State of Idaho
being blessed with a deep and talented bench in public service, and I’m
fortunate to be able to make Colonel Powell director of the Idaho State
Police.”
