Community Cafe Bainbridge

Curious about how our police department works? Participate in the Bainbridge Island Police Department (BIPD) Citizens’ Academy, beginning this February. This free 12-week program lets you meet police officers and see their work first-hand; listen here to learn more. In this podcast, BCB host Christina Hulet sits down with Carla Sias, BIPD’s Community Resource Officer, and three community members who went through the Academy: Loren Bast, Kaylie Chinn, and former Mayor Anne Blair. Together, they talk about what it was like to visit the Kitsap County Jail and participate in a mock trial at the courthouse. Participants also get to ride with an on-duty patrol officer, go to the 911 dispatch center and Coroner’s Office, and talk about a range of topics such as traffic enforcement, investigations, narcotics, criminal law, defensive tactics and identity theft. It’s a great way to increase communication between residents and police officers and, in the case of Kaylie Chinn, confirmed her decision to go into law enforc