The Bainbridge Island Police Department doesn’t just fight crime. It offers a number of different services.
The phone number to deal with all of these is 206-842-5211, unless otherwise noted, per the BIPD website.
With summer coming up, lots of residents will like to know about the department’s vacation house checks. For free it will check your home or office while you are gone. A form must be filled out and returned in person to the department. The minimum is for three days and the maximum 30 days.
The department regulates special event permits for things like parades, races, runs, walks, fairs, festivals, block parties, fundraisers, community celebrations and private events on city property for 30 or more people. The goal is to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare.
If you know of a problem traffic area you can call the BIPD and ask for a traffic emphasis patrol. The program includes targeted patrol, additional police presence, mobile readerboards and more.
If you are concerned about someone the BIPD also does welfare checks. An officer will be dispatched to a home to make sure they are OK. People who live off-island who have parents on BI like to take advantage of this service.
The BIPD also offers free security assessments for residents, businesses and organizations.
Business owners downtown may obtain parking passes for employees for discounted rates at the BIPD. There are two permit periods: from May 1 to Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 to April 30. Permits are $24. Call parking enforcement officer Ken Lundgren at 206-780-4664 for more.
To reduce the number of false alarms, a law was passed last year requiring owners of burglary, robbery or panic alarms to register their system. There is a one-time fee.
Dog owners must license their pet, cat licensing is optional. If the animal is spayed or neutered there’s a one-time fee. If not there is an annual fee. They may be purchased at the Day Road Animal Hospital.
If you want a concealed pistol license you have to go to the police department in person. Call for an appointment. You can go online for a renewal.
You can also be fingerprinted at the police department, but call for an appointment.
If you have lost something you can contact the police department to see if it has been turned in. Calling first is a good idea.
Unwanted medication also can be dropped off at the police department workdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Call ahead if you have a large quantity.
If you want to make a public records request, use the city’s NextRequest program online or call or make a request in person.
If you’d like to see what it’s really like to be a police officer the department offers ride-alongs. An application must be filled out and returned in-person to the department.
The website also has a section on customer surveys. The BIPD mailed out 240 customer surveys in 2023 and 69 responded. The large majority had positive things to say. 96% said they had a high or very high impression of the officer involved. 67% praised the interaction, while only 4% criticized it.
