On November 10, 2022, the City of North Bend’s Public Information Officer (PIO), Bre Keveren, joined Snoqualmie-North Bend Police Officer Kaae for a ride-along, with a virtual twist.
Thursday evening began at 4:45 p.m. with a tour of the Snoqualmie Police Department. Bre met the North Bend team working that evening, Officers Aguirre and Miller, said hello to Captain Lynch, and with that, noted a general feeling of wonder at the many facets that make up our local police department: property and evidence storage, holding cells, vehicle storage, concealed pistol licensing, background checks and records, public education programs, and more.
The ride-along incorporated a virtual component, with the City of North Bend describing events throughout the evening via Facebook and Instagram social media platforms. Doing so provided citizens with a unique opportunity to share in some of the ride-along experiences, and gain an understanding of the challenges, risks, and rewards officers encounter on a daily (or nightly) basis. Viewers had the opportunity to share in a total of nine events, ranging from traffic stops and disturbance calls, to civil and domestic disputes. Visit the City of North Bend’s Facebook page or Instagram handle, @cityofnorthbendwa to follow each event.
The ride-along ended with a team debrief at 10 p.m. There were many takeaways, the main one being that officers rely on a wide variety of skills on the job: communication, de-escalation, active listening, attention to detail, and a friendly, open attitude.
This summer, the police department welcomed its first Behavioral Health Specialist, as a result of a pilot program with funding secured via a state grant that supports behavioral health emergency response. Stephanie Butler adds to services available to citizens in North Bend and Snoqualmie. She works directly with and accompanies officers, firefighters, and EMTs when responding to crisis calls involving people with behavioral health needs, and she supports identified social service needs in the two cities as well.
The Snoqualmie Police Department serves approximately 22,000 residents, as well as visitors and businesses. The evening was a good opportunity to learn about our local police department and the service they provide citizens at all hours. While Bre went home to sleep after the 10 p.m. debrief, Officer Kaae, Aguirre and Miller’s night continued.
Learn more about North Bend and Snoqualmie’s police department by visiting their website, at https://www.snoqualmiewa.gov/187/Police. The police department is also active on social media. Follow them via their Snoqualmie Police Facebook page or their Instagram handle, @snoqualmie_police.