BY BARBARA SHANE

911. Narcotics. Homeless. Jail. DUI. Parking tickets.

Ah, now I have your attention. This is our Bainbridge Island Police Department at work. I know because I just completed our Citizens’ Police Academy, a 10-week course that introduced twenty of us to the workings of our local, county, and state law enforcement.

For many of us, a parking ticket is our brush with local law enforcement. We may not be pleased, but, we likely overstayed. Parking Enforcement Officer Ken Lundgren did not want to give you that ticket. But, it is his job. Really, he is a nice guy. Here is a hint. If you come upon Officer Ken, and he has not printed your ticket, and you are NICE, he will not give you the ticket.

In addition to parking, we heard from Chief Matthew Hamner and Deputy Chief Jeff Horn. We had classes on traffic enforcement, narcotics, use of force, critical incidents and mental health. We got to visit the Municipal Court and hear from Judge Sara McCulloch and her staff. We went to the Kitsap County Jail in Port Orchard, the 911 CENCOM headquarters and the morgue. We heard from our Harbormaster Tami Allen, and Marine Patrol Sergeant Ben Sias, one of the officers who operate the department’s police boat.

I also shot a gun. Actually, two guns. And I played out a few scenarios which our officers routinely encounter. You know what? I shot two people (OK, let me be clear, it was a pretend gun that did not actually fire, so no one got hurt). I’m not proud of that, but in one case, it probably saved my life. In that split second, my decision to use force changed everything. My actions would have been scrutinized, analyzed and criticized by many. This examination of use of force is a good and necessary process, but the repercussions are life-changing — for all involved. Understanding what goes on in the decision to use force has made me appreciate so much more what our officers face.

Let me give you another bit of wisdom I learned from the CPA about how to make a traffic stop safe for the driver and the officer. If you are pulled over, keep your hands on the steering wheel! The officer who pulled you over has no idea what you are up to and his worst fear is that you are up to no good. We know you are just an innocent Bainbridge resident, perhaps a bit too much in a hurry to get to, well, likely the ferry. When asked for your license and registration, announce out loud what you are going to do; “I am reaching into the glove box for my registration. I am reaching into my left back pocket for my wallet.” You get it. I was lucky to do a ride-along with Officer Victor Cienega. I now have a good appreciation for how unnerving a traffic stop can be.

Let me tell you what else I learned. We are so fortunate to have this department and these officers. We have had community and department interaction issues in years past. But Chief Hamner has made improving community relations and ensuring professional conduct of the department his priority. This is “P”ainbridge, as I have heard said of our island community. Our officers put in long hours, and there are usually only two or three officers on duty for the whole island. They can be called off island to assist in Suquamish, Poulsbo or farther afield (and those departments come to the island to help our officers, too). If an officer arrests a driver under the influence, he or she has to drive that person to Port Orchard and book him into jail. That takes the officer out of service for four hours.

Next spring, I urge you to sign up for the Citizen’s Police Academy. You will learn a lot; it will change your outlook on law enforcement and make you a better Bainbridge Islander. And Officer Carla Sias, who does an excellent job of planning and running the academy, is a top-notch baker who brings treats to every class. I am forever grateful to have been a part of this incredible community service outreach.

Barbara Shane has lived on Bainbridge for 17 years.  A sometimes public health consultant and soon-to-be empty nester, she is often found rowing in Eagle Harbor.